Shoulder Joint Replacement Components

There are two major types of shoulder replacements:

Cemented Prostheses
Uncemented Prostheses

A cemented prosthesis is held in place by bone cement that attaches the metal to the bone. An uncemented prosthesis is held in place by the tight press fit of the uncemented prosthesis into the bone canal. The choice to use a cemented or uncemented shoulder replacement is usually made by the surgeon based on your age, your lifestyle, and the surgeon's experience.

Each prosthesis is made up of two parts: The humeral component is the portion of the joint that replaces the ball on top of the upper arm bone - the humerus.

Image of the ball and stem components of a shoulder implant

The glenoid component replaces the socket of the shoulder that actually is part of the scapula. The humeral component is made of metal. The glenoid component is usually made of a plastic cup that provides the bearing surface. The plastic used is very tough and very slick.

Image of the glenoid component of a shoulder implant

Last Updated: 10/15/2007