What is shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement is a type of surgery that takes out a substantial portion of the shoulder joint and replaces it with an artificial plastic and metal joint. The artificial joint functions in the same way as your natural joint, which is a ball-and-socket mechanism. The head of your arm bone, called the humeral head, is the ball that rotates within the shoulder blade’s socket.

Because it’s a ball-and-socket joint, your shoulder has a wider range of motion than any other joint in the body. Many different shoulder injuries may not respond well to conservative care, such as steroid injections, rest, and physical therapy. In some of these cases, total shoulder replacement is necessary. 

After shoulder replacement surgery, you need to rehabilitate the joint with physical therapy. Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine works with you as you recover from the surgery to restore function to the shoulder. 

Do I need a shoulder replacement?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine uses shoulder replacement surgery to treat many types of damage that can affect the shoulder. If your pain or immobility doesn’t resolve or improve with conservative care, and if your shoulder complications greatly affect your day-to-day life, shoulder replacement is an option for treatment. 

You may need a shoulder replacement to replace joint damage from:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• Osteonecrosis
• Severe shoulder fractures

In addition to these injuries and conditions, which can do extensive damage to the shoulder joint, you might also need a shoulder replacement if you previously had the same surgery and the new joint became loose, worn down, or infected. 

What are the steps of shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement is a complex surgery that includes six key steps. Here’s what happens during your shoulder replacement at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:

• Removal of the humeral head
• Reshaping of the shoulder socket
• Placing the plastic component on the socket
• Hollowing out the humerus in preparation for an implant
• Implanting a metal stem-like device in the hollowed-out humerus
• Attachment of the metal ball on the stem

Near the end of your shoulder replacement, the surgeon joins the ball with the plastic shoulder socket. After making any final repairs and adjustments, they close the incision so the healing process can begin. 

To schedule a consultation and learn more about shoulder replacement surgery, call Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.