ANATOMIC TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
Restore Motion.
Relieve Pain.
Advanced treatment for shoulder arthritis in patients with an intact rotator cuff, designed to restore comfort, motion, and long-term shoulder function.
Total shoulder replacement is one of the most successful procedures in modern orthopaedic surgery for patients with advanced shoulder arthritis and an intact rotator cuff.
Advanced Arthritis
Restore Mobility
Return To Activity
Long-Term Results
Who Is A Candidate?
Total shoulder replacement is most commonly performed for patients with painful shoulder arthritis who have failed nonoperative treatment and continue to experience pain, stiffness, loss of function, and reduced quality of life.
- Primary shoulder arthritis
- Advanced cartilage loss
- Painful stiffness
- Failure of injections, medication, and therapy
- Preserved rotator cuff function
The procedure replaces the damaged arthritic surfaces while preserving normal shoulder mechanics.
How The Procedure Works
The arthritic humeral head is replaced with a metal component while the worn socket surface is reconstructed with a polyethylene glenoid component.
Modern shoulder replacement focuses on restoring anatomy, balancing soft tissues, optimizing implant positioning, and achieving long-term durability.
This animation demonstrates total shoulder replacement and how reconstruction of the arthritic joint restores motion, alignment, and function.
Modern Recovery Philosophy
Protecting The Subscapularis
- Sling worn continuously for approximately 1 week
- Sling optional after the first week in most patients
- Physical therapy begins during the first week
- Early motion is encouraged while protecting the repair
- Special attention is paid to healing of the subscapularis tendon
Gradual Return To Strength
- 1-pound lifting restriction for 12 weeks
- Progressive restoration of motion during the first 3 months
- Strengthening typically begins at 3 months
- Return to higher-demand activity is individualized
- Focus on long-term implant durability and tendon healing
Recovery Timeline
Week 1
Physical therapy begins. The sling is typically worn continuously for the first week while pain and swelling improve.
Weeks 2–12
The sling is usually optional. Motion improves steadily while protecting the subscapularis repair with a 1-pound lifting restriction.
3 Months
Most tendon healing has occurred. Strengthening exercises begin and shoulder function continues to improve.
4–5 Months
Most patients have regained good shoulder function and have returned to many normal activities.
Most patients experience dramatic pain relief during the first six weeks after surgery. Continued improvements in strength, motion, comfort, and confidence often occur for 12–18 months as healing and remodeling continue.
Expected Outcomes
Pain Relief
Most patients notice substantial improvement in pain during the first six weeks following surgery.
Improved Motion
Progressive restoration of shoulder motion allows improved reaching, lifting, dressing, and overhead activities.
Long-Term Function
Most patients achieve excellent shoulder function by 4–5 months with continued improvement for up to 12–18 months.
How Long Does A Shoulder Replacement Last?
Modern shoulder replacements are designed for long-term durability. Current research demonstrates excellent survivorship and pain relief beyond 10–15 years in many patients.
- Implant positioning
- Bone quality
- Rotator cuff function
- Activity level
- Overall health
Expected Outcomes
Pain Relief
Substantial reduction in pain for most patients.
Improved Motion
Improved shoulder mobility and function.
Quality Of Life
Improved sleep, daily activity, and overall shoulder performance.