Shoulder Replacement: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Shoulder Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems, performs shoulder replacement. Your surgeon may ask you to see the doctor who treats your other health conditions before surgery. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Shoulder replacement is surgery to replace the bones of the shoulder joint with artificial joint parts. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint.
- A total shoulder replacement swaps the round end of the arm bone for a metal ball on a stem.
- In a total replacement, the socket is replaced with a smooth plastic lining.
- If only 1 of the 2 bones is replaced, it is called a partial replacement, or a hemiarthroplasty.
- In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the positions of the ball and socket are switched.
A reverse replacement lets the deltoid muscle lift the arm instead of the torn rotator cuff.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Shoulder replacement surgery is often done when you have severe pain in the shoulder area, which limits your ability to move your arm. People who benefit from surgery often do not improve with other treatments, such as cortisone injections or physical therapy.
A reverse replacement can be done when the rotator cuff tendons are badly damaged or the shoulder is fractured.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Your surgeon may ask for a full physical exam with your family doctor weeks before surgery.
- You may be asked to temporarily stop taking medicines that keep your blood from clotting.
- If you take blood thinners, do not stop them on your own. Your primary care doctor or cardiologist will advise you about stopping them before surgery.
- If you smoke, cut back or quit. Smoking can slow healing and raise the risk of blood clots.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
What happens during it
You will receive anesthesia before this surgery. Your surgeon makes a cut over your shoulder joint. The top of your upper arm bone is removed. The cut is closed with staples or sutures. This surgery normally takes 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery
Some people go home the same day. Others may stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. You will need a sling for the first 2 to 6 weeks after surgery. Recovery takes around 4 to 6 months. Shoulder replacement surgery relieves pain and stiffness for most people. Contact your surgeon or nurse if you have any of the following.
- Pain that does not go away when you take your pain medicine
- Your hand or fingers are darker in color or feel cool to the touch
- Redness, pain, swelling, or a yellowish discharge from the wound
- Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher
- Your new shoulder joint feels like it is moving around or out of position
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks of shoulder replacement surgery include the following.
- Nerve damage during surgery
- Dislocation of the artificial joint
- Loosening of the artificial joint over time
Infection may happen in the hospital or after you go home. It may even occur years later.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs the surgery.
Common questions
Which type of shoulder replacement will I get?
Your surgeon will talk with you about which type best fits your health needs. You can ask which type of implant you will get, and why. Sometimes, surgeons choose between a total shoulder replacement and a hemiarthroplasty in the operating room at the time of surgery.
Can I return to sports after shoulder replacement?
Many people can return to sports such as golf, swimming, gardening, and bowling. Ask your surgeon which sports and activities are OK for you. Impact sports such as boxing or football are best avoided to protect your new shoulder.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. They can check your health before surgery. If you take blood thinners, your primary care doctor can advise you about stopping them before surgery.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Shoulder replacement
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Shoulder Joint Replacement
- MedlinePlus - Using your shoulder after replacement surgery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
