Shoulder Arthroplasty

Nikolaos Zervakis MD, MSc

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthritis that causes pain and stiffness may require shoulder replacement surgery. The ball of the shoulder is replaced with a metal ball implant. The socket of the shoulder blade may or may not be filled with plastic.

Shoulder replacement implants use metal alloys and polyethylene (plastic) to restore motion and reduce or eliminate pain. The implants are designed to create a new, functional joint that can prevent painful bone-on-bone rubbing.

Your surgeon may choose to replace all or part of a joint, depending on your physical condition and the extent to which the joint is affected by arthritis.

Shoulder Surface Arthroplasty

Shoulder surface arthroplasty is an alternative to total shoulder arthroplasty. Surgeons reshape the surface of the damaged bone and cartilage at the ends of the bones in the joint.

It is not an option for all patients, and your surgeon will carefully assess your situation and discuss your options with you.