A shoulder replacement is a procedure that tries to eliminate the source of pain and dysfunction by replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components called prostheses. The most common reasons for a shoulder replacement surgery are osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis or rheumatoid arthritis. The procedure is meant to relieve your pain, improve your strength, increase your range of motion and enable you to use your shoulder and arm.

Shoulder replacement surgery is an option given to patients who suffer from joint dysfunction. This is usually the result of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, or (rarely) for those who have sustained a severe fracture from a trauma or fall. Generally, all other modes of treatment are considered first, such as physical therapy and medications.

You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery if you have the following symptoms:

• Your shoulder pain is so severe that you struggle with everyday activities such as washing, getting dressed and reaching into a cabinet.
• You have loss of motion in your shoulder.
• You have weakness in your shoulder.
• You have pain that’s so bad that it prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.
• You’ve tried anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and physical therapy with no relief.
• You have prior arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff or fracture repair that failed to relieve your symptoms.