Shoulder Replacement

Anatomic replacement mimics the natural joint and is best for patients with intact rotator cuff tendons and good bone quality. Reverse replacement swaps the ball-and-socket orientation, allowing the deltoid muscle to power the arm, making it ideal for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

The humeral stem is typically titanium for bone-integration properties, the humeral head is cobalt-chromium for hardness and wear resistance, and the glenoid component is highly cross-linked polyethylene engineered with vitamin E for oxidation resistance. Newer ceramic coatings like titanium nitride are being explored to further reduce friction.

Ask for the surgeon's annual volume of shoulder replacements specifically (aim for 30+ per year — shoulder replacement is a subspecialty), whether they are fellowship-trained in shoulder and elbow surgery, and their published complication and revision rates. Check if they are members of professional bodies such as the European Shoulder & Elbow Society or the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.

Plan for a minimum 2-week stay near the hospital after shoulder replacement. You will need follow-up appointments to check the wound and begin supervised physiotherapy. Most airlines require a medical clearance letter, and many patients find flying with a sling uncomfortable for long-haul flights. Consider booking a business-class seat for the return journey for more space.

Ask which implant brand and model the surgeon plans to use — major manufacturers like Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, Arthrex, and Exactech operate globally. Request an implant identification card with exact component details including sizes. Your home orthopedic surgeon will need this information for future imaging, physiotherapy guidance, or any revision surgery.