Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing damaged areas of your shoulder and replacing them with artificial parts. The procedure is performed to relieve pain and improve mobility. You might need a shoulder replacement if you have severe arthritis or a fracture in your shoulder joint.

Who’s a good candidate for this procedure?

Shoulder replacement surgery is usually recommended for people who have severe pain in their shoulders and have found little or no relief from more conservative treatments.

What are the conditions that require these?

Some conditions that may require a shoulder replacement include:

• Osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is common in older people. It occurs when the cartilage that pads bones wear away.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). With RA, your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, causing pain and inflammation.
• Avascular Necrosis. This condition happens when the loss of blood to a bone occurs. It can cause damage and pain in the shoulder joint.
• A Broken Shoulder. If you badly break your shoulder bone, you might need a shoulder replacement to repair it.