When severe shoulder pain starts interfering with your daily activities, it may be time to consider surgical options that can provide pain relief and restore freedom of movement. This section defines the different surgical treatment options.

If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis of the shoulder, shoulder resurfacing might be right for you. Resurfacing allows patients to retain more of their natural bone, replacing only the diseased surface of the joint. Shoulder resurfacing is potentially less traumatic, less invasive, and a more bone-preserving procedure.

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An increasing number of patients are returning to active lifestyles thanks to advancements in the materials and procedures used in shoulder implants. Today, shoulder replacement is the third most common type of joint replacement.

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Reverse shoulder replacement is a procedure developed for those who have exhausted all other treatment options. When damage within the shoulder has reached advanced stages, causing weakness, loss of function, and pain, it may becomes necessary to make changes in the normal mechanics of the shoulder.

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When a shoulder fracture occurs, or heals poorly, it may be time to consider surgical options. When the main arm bone (humerus) is broken in several places, a doctor may suggest shoulder replacement surgery to restore movement and reduce pain. If the ball portion at the top of the humerus bone is broken, split, or crushed, a shoulder replacement may be needed.

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Rotator Cuff-Tear Arthropathy (CTA) is an arthritic condition that occurs when there is a large rotator cuff tear for an extended period of time. It is the combination of a massive rotator cuff tear and the collapse of the surface of the upper arm bone (humerus). People with cuff-tear arthropathy typically experience severe pain and very limited movement. Your surgeon will decide what procedure to use based on the extent of damage to the shoulder bones and surrounding tissues.

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