A shoulder replacement or arthroplasty may be needed if you have arthritis of the shoulder or if you had significant injury resulting in chronic pain. The first line of treatment is Non Steriodal Anti-inflammatories. Where this fails you may need a surgical procedure to relieve the pain.

The treatment is done to to reduce pain, increase your mobility and enhance your quality of life. The surgeon makes a cut in front of the shoulder and replaces the head of the humerus (the ball). Sometimes it may be necessary to replace the socket as well as repair the muscles where needed. The surgeon may leave some local anaesthetic in the joint to help with pain.