Shoulder pain can significantly limit your daily life, especially when caused by arthritis, fractures, or long-term wear and tear. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended. But did you know there’s more than one type of shoulder replacement?
Understanding the different types can help you and your surgeon choose the best option for your needs, mobility goals, and overall health.
1. Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic)
Best for: Patients with intact rotator cuff and severe arthritis.
This is the most common type of shoulder replacement. It involves replacing both the ball (humeral head) and the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint with artificial components designed to mimic natural anatomy. The ball is replaced with a metal implant, and the socket is typically replaced with a smooth plastic cup.
Benefits:
Restores normal shoulder mechanics
Excellent for relieving pain and restoring function
Long-lasting when performed on healthy tissue
2. Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Best for: Patients with a torn or non-functioning rotator cuff, severe arthritis, or complex fractures.
In a reverse shoulder replacement, the normal ball-and-socket structure is reversed: the ball is attached to the shoulder blade, and the socket is placed on the top of the arm bone. This allows the deltoid muscle to take over for the damaged rotator cuff muscles.
Benefits:
Improves shoulder stability and motion without a functioning rotator cuff
Greatly reduces pain
Increasingly common in older adults with complex shoulder conditions
3. Partial Shoulder Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
Best for: Fractures of the upper arm bone or arthritis isolated to the ball of the joint.
In this procedure, only the humeral head (ball) is replaced, while the natural socket is left intact. It's often recommended when the socket is still healthy or in younger patients where preserving more of the natural joint is beneficial.
Benefits:
Less invasive than a full replacement
Preserves more of your natural joint
Shorter recovery time in some cases
4. Resurfacing Shoulder Arthroplasty
Best for: Younger, active patients with early-stage arthritis or localized joint damage.
This bone-preserving procedure involves capping the humeral head with a smooth metal covering rather than removing large portions of bone. It can be an effective option before more extensive surgery is needed.
Benefits:
Preserves more bone for future procedures
Lower risk of implant loosening
Can delay the need for a full replacement
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of shoulder replacement depends on:
The condition of your rotator cuff
The extent of joint damage
Your age and activity level
Your long-term goals
Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your shoulder through physical exams and imaging to recommend the best option.
Physical Therapy After Surgery
No matter which type of shoulder replacement you have, physical therapy plays a key role in your recovery. A personalized rehabilitation plan helps restore strength, range of motion, and function—so you can return to your daily activities with confidence.
Considering shoulder replacement? Talk with an orthopedic surgeon to better understand your options and what to expect during recovery.