What is a Shoulder Replacement?

A shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure in which the ball-shaped bone at the top of the upper arm is removed and replaced with a metal substitute.

As you move your arm, the ball-shaped end of the upper arm, or humerus, moves against a cup-like depression in shoulder bone, or scapula.

As long as the upper arm can slide against the shoulder, you are able to move your arm comfortably. But over time, especially in patients who suffer from arthritis, the shoulder joint can wear down.

[x_columnize] Cartilage, the tissue that cushions the bones and makes it possible for them to move smoothly against each other can wear away.

When this happens, the bones run together, causing pain and restricting arm movement. No matter what the cause, one of the most effective ways to fix a damaged shoulder is to replace it surgically.

In this procedure, the ball-shaped bone at the top of the upper arm is removed and replaced with a metal substitute.

The shoulder socket is widened and lined with a smooth pad that allows the metal ball joint to move more freely against the shoulder blade.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a major operation, but your doctor believes that the procedure -- followed up with physical therapy and time to heal -- will result in reduced pain and greater mobility.

Then, when you are asleep, the surgical team will make an incision over the shoulder.

The team will pull the skin aside to reveal the muscle tissue below. They'll then make another incision to reveal the shoulder joint.

Next, the team pulls the top of the arm bone out of the shoulder socket.

Using a precision surgical saw, your doctor will carefully remove the ball-shaped end of the upper arm.

Then, the surgical team will use a high-speed drill to hollow out the top of the arm bone.

A specially fitted artificial ball joint slides into the top of the arm bone.

Next, your doctor will smooth the inner surface of the shoulder socket.

Once the socket has been thoroughly cleaned, the artificial lining will be secured in place.

The artificial ball joint is turned inward and fit into the socket and the team carefully checks to make sure that it fits and allows the full range of normal motion.

Muscle and other tissues are closed over the joint using dissolvable stitches. A temporary draining tube may be added.

Finally, the skin is closed with sutures and protected with sterilized strips.

Hip Replacement

Iam 47 I've got bad arthritis in my left hip I've worn all the cartilage out so its bone on bone iam being stubborn iam still going about on it limping away iam a tree surgeon iam terrified of surgery it's been 5 years now that I've been putting up with the stiffness and the muscle tissue depleting and the leg has restricted movement watching this makes it look so easy and straight forward they said my pelvis is that worn if I had it done if I bent over it would dislocate pretty much every time I bent over so now iam terrified of hip surgery so I've just to go about till I can't walk on it anymore scottish doctors for you .

rashiehill

Hip Replacement

ahhh I have my surgery in 5 days and this definitely freaked me out! im only 19 and this is my second surgery in the last 5 months on my hip im just ready for it to feel better and not hurt all the time but now im super freaked out, why am I watching these videos right now!! lol

River Baker

Hip Replacement

Good luck to you . I'm 49 and had it done 5v days ago . I feel worlds better !

vasp99

This video is intended as a tool to help you to better understand the procedure that you are scheduled to have or are considering. It is not intended to replace any discussion, decision making or advice of your physician.