Types of Shoulder Replacement

Total Shoulder Replacement:

Total Shoulder Replacement involves replacing the arthritic joint surfaces with a highly polished metal ball and a plastic socket.

Total Shoulder Replacement is divided into two types:

• Cemented
• Cemented versus Uncemented Shoulder Replacements:

The use of cement depends upon the quality of bone. If the bone quality is good then an uncemented prosthesis is press-fitted or else cement is being used.

Hemiarthroplasty:

When only the ball of the shoulder gets replaced, it is called Hemiarthroplasty. In a traditional Hemiarthroplasty, the head of the humerus is replaced with a metal ball and stem. Hemiarthroplasty is recommended when the humeral head is severely fractured but the socket is normal. Other indications for a Hemiarthroplasty include :

• Arthritis that only involves the head of the humerus with a glenoid that has a healthy and intact cartilage surface.
• Shoulders with severely weak bone in the glenoid.
• Some Shoulders with severely torn rotator cuff tendons and arthritis

Surface Replacement of Shoulder:

When the joint surface of the humeral head is replaced with a cup like prosthesis without a stem, it is called a Surface Replacement.

The advantage of this procedure is that it is bone preserving. Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty may be an option for you if :

• You are young.
• Glenoid surface is good.
• No fracture of humeral head.