Partial Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty is surgery to replace damaged bone on the head of the humerus (the ball in the "ball and socket" shoulder joint). It is replaced with a prosthetic head without replacing the socket.  The goal of hemiarthroplasty is to prevent continued damage to the shoulder, maintain normal anatomy and to restore shoulder function and alleviate pain.

During a partial shoulder replacement, the damaged head is resurfaced with a smooth cap to improve joint function and relieve pain in order to restore the ability to perform the daily activities of life. If other damage requires repair such as a torn rotator cuff, it may be fixed during this procedure.

Hemiarthroplasty indications:

  • acute proximal fracture of the head of the humerus that cannot be treated another way and a healthy socket

  • osteoarthritis of the head with a healthy socket and intact cartilage, when conservative measures fail to provide pain relief and improved function

  • severe rotator cuff tendon tear and arthritis and intact socket

  • revision the ball after a total shoulder replacement for persistent pain or dysfunction

  • any type of arthritis with insufficient bone to support a prosthetic glenoid socket

  • risk of glenoid loosening that disqualifies a young patient, or a person whose work require heavy shoulder usage from undergoing a total shoulder replacement

  • avascular necrosis - death of bone caused by interrupted blood supply that destroys pain and causes loss of joint function and long-term joint damage.

Who is a good candidate?

The patient's age, activity level and health status determine whether someone is a good candidate.

  • Elderly patients with an intact rotator cuff and severe shoulder pain who desire to avoid the risk and complications of a reverse shoulder procedure

  • Patients who have arthritis isolated to the head of the arm bone and complains to joint stiffness, grating sensation and pain from bone on bone rubbing

  • Patients with severe fractures of the head of the humerus

The procedure

The procedure is performed under local and general anesthetic. The surgeon makes an incision and removes the head of the upper arm bone and replaces it with a man-made part. The patient will awaken with a sling and gentle physical therapy begins the day after surgery to restore motion and progresses to include strength and range of motion training. Eight weeks of postoperative rehabilitation is begun two weeks after surgery. Replacement parts generally last 15-20 years.

A partial shoulder replacement is reserved for special circumstances. Contact Dr. Peter Johnston to schedule a consultation to learn more about a partial shoulder replacement and whether this is a good choice for you.