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Shoulder Replacement Q & A


What is shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement is a type of orthopedic surgery that replaces damaged bone and cartilage with durable prosthetic parts. Depending on the type of damage you experience, the team might recommend replacing just one part of your shoulder joint, or they might recommend replacing both parts of the joint, including the ball and socket.

Who can benefit from shoulder replacement?

At Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center, the team uses shoulder replacement surgery to treat pain and disability caused by:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rotator cuff damage
  • Severe fractures
  • Failed shoulder surgery

You might also benefit from a shoulder replacement if you develop avascular necrosis, a condition that occurs when the blood supply to one of your bones is disrupted.

Are there different types of shoulder replacement surgery?

The team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center offers several types of shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Total shoulder replacement

During total shoulder replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the damaged head from the top of your humerus bone and replaces it with a metal ball. 

Then, your surgeon attaches the ball to a metal stem and removes the damaged cartilage from your shoulder socket. They replace the cartilage with an artificial socket that allows your shoulder to move freely. 

Stemmed hemiarthroplasty

If you have plenty of healthy cartilage, the team might recommend a stemmed hemiarthroplasty. This procedure is very similar to total shoulder replacement. The difference is that your surgeon only replaces the damaged bone, not the cartilage.

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty

If only the head of your humerus bone is damaged, the team might recommend a resurfacing hemiarthroplasty. During this type of surgery, your provider replaces the head of your humerus bone with a metal prosthetic. They leave the rest of the bone (as well as your cartilage) intact.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

If you have severe shoulder arthritis or a torn rotator cuff, you might benefit from reverse total shoulder replacement. The unique placement of the prosthetics allows you to lift your arm with your deltoid muscles instead of your rotator cuff.

What type of shoulder replacement might benefit me?

To determine the type of shoulder replacement that will most benefit you, the team at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center conducts an exam, reviews your medical history, and takes a series of X-rays. 

After gathering the necessary information, they can develop a custom surgical treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

To explore the benefits of shoulder replacement, request a consultation at Nevada Orthopedic & Spine Center. Use the online scheduler, or call the nearest office today.