Shoulder Joint Replacement is a surgical method in which the diseased and damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced by an artificial joint or a prosthetic joint. The artificial joint parts are made of plastic or metal and function just like a normal, healthy joint and are made of plastic or metal . Patients suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder are ideally suited for Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery when all the other alternative therapies have failed to provide relief.

Procedure for a Shoulder Joint Replacement
General anesthesia is used most commonly during Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery. The incision is 3 - 4 inches long and is made on the front of the shoulder from the collarbone (clavicle) to the point where the shoulder muscle (deltoid) attaches to the upper arm bone.. If the socket is damaged, the socket is replaced . The surgeon prepares the socket surface by removing the remaining damaged cartilage. The plastic component is then fitted into the socket surface and cemented into position. Your surgeon reattaches the supporting tendons and closes the incision. Your arm will be placed in a sling and a support pillow will be placed under the elbow to protect the repair. A drainage tube will be inserted to remove excess fluids. The drainage tube will be removed on the next day of the Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery. This surgery may last any where from 3 - 4 hours.

Preparations for the Shoulder Joint Replacement
Your physician may perform a number of routine pre-operative screening tests like blood tests, ECG, x-ray of chest and shoulder joint, MRI, physical examination to make sure that you are in good health before undergoing surgery in addition to a complete medical history.
Precautions after the surgery
For quick and successful recovery after Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery, Physical therapy through exercises is essential. They will increase the range of motion at the shoulder joint. You should wear a sling all the time for at least one month after the surgery. Complete recovery of range of motion generally takes 2 - 3 months depending on the patient's condition.

Risks involved in Shoulder Joint Replacement
Main risk associated is Infection of the implant.
Damage to the nerves or blood vessels in the surrounding area. Of the implant
Pulmonary embolism
There is a possibility that upper arm bone may get fractured during or after Shoulder Joint Replacement surgery.
Loosening of the artificial joint is the biggest risk associated with the procedure.