Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total Shoulder Replacement)

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Total shoulder arthroplasty, also known as total shoulder replacement, is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain and restore function in a shoulder joint that has been severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions. In this procedure, the shoulder joint is replaced with prosthetic components to alleviate pain and restore smoother, more comfortable movement.

Total shoulder replacement is usually reserved for patients with severe arthritis, damage, and chronic shoulder pain for whom conservative or less invasive treatments have proven insufficient. With this procedure, Dr. Seiter can help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.

Candidates for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

You may be a candidate for total shoulder replacement if you:

Experience chronic shoulder pain that is interferes with daily activities
Have stiffness or significantly reduced range of motion in the shoulder
Have ongoing symptoms without notable improvement despite physical therapy, rest, medication, or injections
Experience pain even at rest or pain that disrupts sleep
Have advanced shoulder arthritis or joint degeneration confirmed on imaging
Have shoulder damage related to prior injury or long-term wear and tear

Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging to determine whether total shoulder arthroplasty is the right treatment for your condition.

About the Procedure

Total shoulder arthroplasty replaces damaged portions of the shoulder joint with artificial components. In a healthy shoulder, the ball of the upper arm bone (humeral head) moves smoothly against the socket of the shoulder blade (glenoid). When both the ball and socket are damaged, replacing them with prosthetics restores a smoother and more comfortable joint motion. Techniques include:

Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Replaces the damaged humeral head with a metal ball implant and refits the worn glenoid with a durable polyethylene prosthetic. The two prosthetics mimic the natural anatomy of the shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint and help to restore function and improve pain relief. Best for patients who still have a functional rotator cuff.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Reverses the anatomy of the shoulder joint by placing the replacement “socket” prosthetic on the arm bone and the metal ball implant on the socket side. Best for patients who also have a severely damaged rotator cuff and allows the deltoid muscle to control arm movement.

Total shoulder replacement is performed with careful attention to implant positioning, joint balance, and soft tissue function in order to optimize long-term outcomes.

Recovery

Here is what most patients can expect for recovery after total shoulder arthroplasty:

Sling use for 6 weeks to protect the shoulder and minimize shoulder movement during early healing
Physical therapy beginning shortly after surgery to gradually restore range of motion
Return to light daily activities within 6 weeks
Gradual progression to strengthening exercises as healing continues
Continued improvement in motion and function over 3 to 6 months
Full recovery with maximum functionality achieved usually in 6 to 12 months

Many patients experience substantial pain relief and improved shoulder use after surgery. Dr. Seiter and his care team will provide a personalized recovery plan to support a safe and successful return to activity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What conditions are treated with total shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder arthroplasty is most commonly used to treat advanced shoulder arthritis, but it may also be recommended for certain severe injuries or degenerative conditions that cause ongoing pain and limited function.

How do I know if I need total shoulder replacement?

If you have severe arthritis, significant shoulder pain, loss of motion, and limited relief from non-surgical treatments, total shoulder replacement may be something to consider. Dr. Seiter will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, and shoulder function to determine the best treatment approach.

Can I get a partial shoulder replacement?

Some patients with severe arthritis in the shoulder joint may not need a total shoulder replacement. For patients with damage only to the ball portion, partial shoulder replacement and hemiarthroplasty can be performed to replace the humeral head (ball) with a metal prosthetic, leaving the natural socket intact.

What’s the difference between total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement?

Both of these procedures involve replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint, but they differ in how the joint is reconstructed. Total shoulder replacement most commonly refers to anatomic total shoulder replacement, which restores the shoulder joint by placing the prosthetic ball and socket in the joint’s natural anatomy. Reverse total shoulder replacement changes the mechanics of the joint by reversing the placement of the prosthetic ball and socket. Another difference between these techniques is the circumstance in which they are used: anatomic total shoulder replacement is used if the rotator cuff is intact, while reverse shoulder replacement is used when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or nonfunctional.

Will I regain full motion after surgery?

Most patients experience significant improvement in motion and function after total shoulder replacement. The degree of recovery depends on the condition of the joint before surgery, the health of the surrounding muscles and tendons, and commitment to rehabilitation.

How long does a total shoulder replacement last?

Modern shoulder replacements are highly durable and can last many years. Longevity depends on factors such as implant type, activity level, and overall joint health.

When can I return to normal activities?

Many patients return to light daily activities within 6 weeks, but full recovery and continued improvement can take up to 6 to 12 months. Dr. Seiter will guide your return to activity based on your healing progress.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total Shoulder Replacement)

Candidates for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

About the Procedure

Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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