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Procedures

What is shoulder replacement?

Medcasts editorial team

Shoulder replacement comes in three main types: anatomic (mimics native anatomy, requires intact rotator cuff), reverse (used when rotator cuff is torn — switches the ball-and-socket positions to compensate), and hemiarthroplasty (only the ball is replaced, rare in modern practice).

Reverse shoulder replacement has grown rapidly in the last 15 years and now accounts for most shoulder replacements. Outcomes are excellent for the right indication (rotator cuff-deficient arthritis, complex fractures in older patients).

Recovery: 1–3 day hospital stay; sling for 4–6 weeks; PT for 12–16 weeks; return to most activities by 16–20 weeks; full recovery by 6–12 months.

Program experience matters — high-volume shoulder programs achieve better outcomes, especially for reverse replacements.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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