Replacement of the shoulder’s original ball-and-socket joint (or glenohumeral joint) with a prosthetic of the same shape is called total shoulder replacement. Following surgery, patients usually experience less pain, more strength, and a better range of motion. In the treatment of severe shoulder osteoarthritis by a sports medicine physician, total shoulder replacement is sometimes referred to as traditional shoulder arthroplasty. The traditional shoulder replacement can effectively serve a patient for more than 20 years.

What You Should Know

Ball-and-socket joints connect the arm to the body. The humerus is your upper arm has a smooth, round end that fits into the curved shoulder blade. It is held together by tendons and ligaments. Bones are connected by ligaments and muscles by tendons. Bones are kept apart by cartilage, which prevents them from rubbing against each other.

Your arm can be moved up and down, back and forth, or in a circle with the ball and socket.

Why You Should Replace It

A condition causing pain and difficulty using your arm may need to be corrected, such as:

•   Broken bones in the shoulder
•   A severe case of arthritis
•   An injured rotator cuff

First, your doctor is likely to prescribe you medicine or begin physical therapy. Surgery might be the next step.

Recovery From Shoulder Surgery: Factors Affecting Success

Personalized and sport-specific shoulder rehab programs are essential for successful athlete care. The brain and muscles need to communicate optimally after injury or surgery along with neuromotor training.

Resuming sports quickly and successfully is influenced by some factors, including:

•     Athletes should follow their rehab training protocol
•     Sports rehab team’s skill and experience
•     Measurement of progress using technological tools
•     Training and feedback using advanced equipment are available
•     An athlete receives personalized training on a one-to-one basis
•     The motivation of the athlete

An experienced sports medicine physician will be able to treat your shoulder injury. To prepare an athlete to return to sport after an injury, cookie-cutter training protocols are not enough.

After Shoulder Surgery, What to Expect

• If you have a damaged ball and socket in your shoulder joint, it will be replaced with a metal or plastic material by a sports medicine physician. You will be hospitalized for several days after the procedure. Physical therapy will also be necessary afterward.
• 4-6 months is the earliest you can expect to return to play after an injury or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. 
• After shoulder surgery, recovery requires rest, physical therapy relevant to your sport, and a progressive protocol gradually leading to optimal performance.