Shoulder Replacement

In a shoulder replacement, areas of the damaged bone are removed and replaced with metal and plastic parts. This operation is called shoulder arthroplasty. The shoulder is a ball joint. The rounded head of the humerus fits into a shallow socket in the shoulder. Damage to the joint can cause pain, weakness, and stiffness. Shoulder implants come in a few different shapes and in a variety of sizes. Replacement options include full and partial reverse or anatomical implants.