Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder has the largest range of motion of any joint in the body. The shoulder is a remarkable and unique joint in the human body. It is inherently an unstable joint due to the way it is made, with the bony socket being very shallow and the humeral head (upper arm) being large and very rounded. This construct allows for an extraordinarily wide range of motion. The joint is stabilized by layers of tissues: the labrum, the biceps tendon, the superior, middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments, the joint capsule, the rotator cuff tendons and the bony roof-the acromion and clavicle. With this great range of motion however, comes the potential for joint problems.

Shoulder Replacement

When pain and loss of function due to arthritis or injury become severe, and other treatment options are not working, shoulder replacement may be an option to restore mobility and relieve pain.

In a typical total shoulder replacement, the arthritic joint surface is replaced with a highly polished metal ball that is attached to a stem, and a plastic socket. Depending on the condition of your shoulder, your surgeon may opt to replace only the ball portion of the joint.

Procedures

The Orthopedic Surgeons at North Cypress Medical Center offer several types of shoulder replacement, as well as other shoulder procedures. Based on your particular injury, your physician will work with you to determine the procedure that is right for you. Click on some of the procedures offered below to learn more about them.

• Arthroscopic Bankhart Repair  
• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair  
• Total Shoulder Replacement  
• Shoulder Impingement Surgery  

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation process begins while you are still at the hospital and continues on an outpatient basis once you return home. Your physician will give you specific instructions on what you can and cannot do following your surgery. It is vital that you take an active role in the rehab process to get the most from your surgery.