Shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) Orthopedic Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial parts made of metal and plastic.

Shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) procedure illustration

Overview

Shoulder replacement surgery, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial parts made of metal and plastic. The goal is to reduce pain and improve shoulder function when other treatments have not helped. Depending on shoulder anatomy and the rotator cuff tendons, the procedure may be anatomic (ball-and-socket in the natural positions), reverse (ball and socket positions switched), or a partial replacement (hemiarthroplasty). Your care team selects the approach based on the condition of the joint and soft tissues.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Shoulder joint replacement, Total shoulder replacement, Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty, Reverse shoulder arthroplasty, Shoulder hemiarthroplasty

Recovery
42–365 days
Return to Work
14–90 days

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Complete a preoperative evaluation and any labs, imaging, or medical clearance requested by your care team
  • Review which medicines to continue or adjust, including blood thinners and diabetes medicines, and follow the written instructions you receive
  • Follow the facility’s fasting instructions for food and liquids before anesthesia
  • Arrange a responsible adult for transportation home and help for the first few days
  • Prepare your home by placing essentials at waist level, setting up a sleeping area that supports your arm, and clearing tripping hazards
  • Discuss implant type options (anatomic vs reverse) and expected limitations with your surgeon
  • Ask about an at-home prehab program to learn sling use, safe transfers, and early motion guidelines
  • Shower as instructed and follow any skin cleansing protocol provided by the surgical team
  • Do not apply lotions, powders, or deodorant near the surgical shoulder on the day of surgery

After Care

  • Use your sling as instructed to protect the shoulder during the early healing period
  • Keep the incision clean and dry; follow instructions for dressing changes and when it is safe to shower
  • Take pain and nausea medicines only as directed by your care team, and use icing as instructed to manage swelling
  • Do not lift, push, or pull with the operated arm until your team advances your activity
  • Begin physical therapy and home exercises on the timeline provided, starting with passive and assisted motion before strengthening
  • Sleep with the arm supported as shown by your therapist to avoid stress on the repair
  • Watch for increasing redness, swelling, drainage, fever, chest pain, calf pain, or shortness of breath and contact a clinician if these occur
  • Attend scheduled follow-up visits for wound checks, suture removal if needed, and X-rays to assess implant position
  • Confirm when it is safe to resume driving, work duties, and sports based on healing and arm control

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Severe osteoarthritis with pain and stiffness
  • Rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis after injury
  • Irreparable rotator cuff tear with arthritis (cuff tear arthropathy) for reverse type
  • Avascular necrosis of the humeral head
  • Complex proximal humerus fracture not suitable for fixation
  • Failed prior shoulder surgery with ongoing pain or dysfunction

Alternatives

  • Activity modification and rest
  • Physical therapy and home exercise program
  • Oral pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Corticosteroid or other joint injections
  • Arthroscopic debridement in selected cases
  • Shoulder fusion (arthrodesis) as a salvage option

Risks

  • Infection of the joint or wound
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Dislocation or instability of the implant
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury
  • Fracture around the implant
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion
  • Implant loosening, wear, or need for revision surgery
  • Persistent pain
  • Problems related to anesthesia or bleeding

Contraindications

  • Active infection in the shoulder or elsewhere in the body
  • Severe uncontrolled medical conditions that make surgery unsafe
  • Poor bone or soft tissue coverage that cannot support an implant
  • Paralysis or nonfunctioning deltoid muscle for reverse replacement
  • Nonfunctional or irreparable rotator cuff for anatomic replacement
  • Inability to participate in necessary rehabilitation

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

Pain and sleep often improve over the first few weeks. Daily activities typically get easier by 6 to 12 weeks, and strength and motion continue to progress for several months. Full improvement can take up to a year.

Typical Range

42–365 days

Return to Work

14–90 days

Recovery Milestones

Day 0–14

Wear sling most of the time; begin hand, wrist, and elbow motion

Day 7–42

Start passive and assisted shoulder range of motion per therapy plan

Day 21–84

Progress to active motion; light daily activities at waist level

Day 42–84

Begin gentle strengthening when cleared

Day 90–180

Increase endurance and function; many return to non-strenuous work

Day 180–365

Gradual return to heavier tasks or low-impact sports if approved

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

What are the main types of shoulder replacement?

Common types are anatomic total shoulder replacement, reverse total shoulder replacement, and partial replacement (hemiarthroplasty). The choice depends on joint damage and rotator cuff function.

How long do shoulder implants last?

Modern implants often function well for many years. Some last 10 to 20 years or more, but lifespan varies with age, activity level, bone quality, and implant type.

Will I need to stay in the hospital?

Some people go home the same day, while others stay 1 to 2 nights. The plan depends on your health, pain control, and home support.

How painful is recovery?

Pain is expected after surgery and usually improves over the first few weeks. Teams often use a nerve block, icing, and medicines to help manage pain.

When can I drive again?

Driving typically resumes when you are off sedating pain medicines and can control the arm safely, often after several weeks. Timing varies by procedure and progress.

What activities are allowed after recovery?

Most people return to daily activities and low-impact sports. High-impact or heavy lifting may be limited to protect the implant.

What could make me need a revision surgery?

Reasons include infection, implant loosening or wear, instability, fracture, or persistent pain. Follow-up visits help monitor for these issues.