Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder with artificial parts. It is most often done for advanced shoulder arthritis when the rotator cuff tendons are still intact and working. While less common than hip or knee replacement, it is a well-established surgery with generally reliable pain relief.
Procedure overview
What happens during Shoulder Replacement?
- Performed under general anesthesia, often with a nerve block for pain control.
- Surgery typically takes about one to two hours.
- Many patients go home the same day or after a one-night stay.
- A sling is typically worn for about four to six weeks, with physical therapy starting early.
- Many daily activities resume within about three months; full recovery commonly takes six months to a year.
Recovery
What is recovery like after Shoulder Replacement?
After a shoulder replacement, most people wear a sling for a few weeks and begin gentle range-of-motion exercises early, guided by a therapist, to keep the joint from stiffening. Strengthening is added gradually over the following months. Everyday tasks close to the body often return within about six weeks, while reaching overhead and lifting build up over three to six months. Full recovery of strength and comfort commonly takes up to a year. Pain relief is usually the first and most noticeable improvement. Let your surgeon know about fever, increasing redness or drainage, or new weakness or instability in the arm.
Top shoulder surgeons
Adam Cohen
VerifiedAlan H. Beyer
VerifiedAlan M. Hirahara
VerifiedAlexander Golant
VerifiedAndrew L. Rosen
VerifiedBalazs Galdi
VerifiedBenedict U. Nwachukwu
VerifiedBenjamin T. Busfield
VerifiedBlair A. Rhode
VerifiedBradley R. Wasserman
VerifiedBrett M. Andres
VerifiedCharles B. Craythorne
VerifiedCharles F. Burt
VerifiedChristopher J. Woodson
VerifiedChristopher K. Jones
VerifiedCraig M. Capeci
VerifiedCristobal A. Beiro
VerifiedDaniel J. Aldrich
VerifiedDaniel J. Jones
VerifiedDaniel K. Davis
VerifiedDaniel Lim
VerifiedDarin D. Tessier
VerifiedDavid E. Nonweiler
VerifiedDavid J. Chao
VerifiedCommon questions
How long is recovery after shoulder replacement?
Most people are out of the sling in four to six weeks and using the arm for light daily tasks within a couple of months. Full strength and motion commonly take six months to a year.
What is the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement?
An anatomic replacement copies the shoulder's normal shape and needs a working rotator cuff. A reverse replacement swaps the ball and socket positions so the deltoid muscle can power the arm when the cuff is damaged.
Am I a candidate for shoulder replacement?
Surgery is typically considered when arthritis pain limits sleep, reach, or daily activities despite therapy, medication, and injections. A shoulder surgeon will examine your rotator cuff and imaging to recommend the right type.
Find Shoulder Replacement by city
This page provides general information only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified physician about your specific situation. Listings are not endorsements.