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Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement for Relieving Arthritis Pain in Shoulder

If shoulder arthritis is interfering with your quality of life, a total shoulder replacement may offer long-term relief. At our orthopedic practice, we offer both traditional total shoulder arthroplasty and the latest in canal-sparing technology, including the Simpliciti stemless shoulder replacement system.

What Is Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery (Shoulder Arthroplasty)?

Total shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced arthritis in the shoulder joint. Arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility. When conservative treatments such as medications, injections, and physical therapy no longer provide relief, surgery may be recommended.

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. In total shoulder replacement, both the ball (humeral head) and the socket (glenoid) are replaced with prosthetic components to restore function and reduce pain.

What Anatomic Shoulder Replacement Options Do We Offer?

Traditional Total Shoulder Replacement

This approach involves removing the damaged humeral head and inserting a metal ball and stem into the upper arm bone, often secured with surgical cement. The glenoid (socket) is also resurfaced and fitted with a plastic component.

Benefits of Traditional Approach:

  • Well-established technique
  • Long-term clinical data and outcomes
  • Appropriate for patients with certain bone structures and arthritis patterns

Simpliciti Stemless Shoulder Replacement (Canal-Sparing)

The Simpliciti system is a modern, stemless solution designed to preserve more of your natural bone. Rather than inserting a long stem into the humerus, this system uses a canal-sparing implant that anchors within the humeral head.

Benefits of Simpliciti System:

  • Less bone removal
  • Reduced surgical time and blood loss
  • Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Easier implant placement

Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine which option is best for your unique condition, based on your anatomy, bone quality, and activity goals.

Who Is a Candidate for an Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement?

You may be a candidate for shoulder arthroplasty if you experience:

  • Severe shoulder pain that limits daily activities
  • Pain while resting or at night
  • Loss of motion or shoulder weakness
  • X-ray evidence of arthritis

Conditions commonly treated include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis

How Is Anatomic Shoulder Replacement Surgery Performed?

  1. Incision and Exposure: The surgeon makes an incision near the front of the shoulder and separates the muscles to access the joint.
  2. Removal of Damaged Bone: The arthritic humeral head and glenoid surface are removed.
  3. Implant Placement:
    1. In traditional surgery, a metal ball with a stem is inserted into the humerus and a plastic component is placed in the socket.
    2. In Simpliciti cases, the stemless implant is placed directly into the bone, preserving more of the humeral shaft.
  4. Joint Testing: The new joint is tested for fit and mobility.
  5. Closure: The surgeon repairs soft tissues and closes the incision.

What Happens After Anatomic Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Recovery timelines can vary depending on the implant used and individual patient factors.

  • Traditional Replacement: A sling may be used for 2–4 weeks. Gentle daily activities can resume in 2–6 weeks. Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery.
  • Simpliciti Replacement: Sling is typically removed the day after surgery. Patients are encouraged to use their arm for routine activities right away, with strengthening exercises starting around 8 weeks post-op.

Your care team will provide detailed instructions for recovery, medications, and physical therapy.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Anatomic Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Pain or swelling
  • Loosening or wear of the prosthesis
  • Nerve or soft tissue injury

Your surgeon will discuss these risks and how they are minimized with modern surgical techniques.

Don’t let shoulder arthritis disrupt your daily life. Whether you’re best suited for a traditional replacement or a modern stemless implant like Simpliciti, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons can help you move better and live pain-free.

Schedule a consultation today to see if anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery is right for you.