Surgical procedures
Anatomic shoulder replacement
Resurfacing a worn-out shoulder with a smooth ball-and-socket implant, restoring pain-free motion when the rotator cuff is still healthy.
Outpatient or 1 night
~2 hour procedure
Reliable pain relief
What is an anatomic shoulder replacement?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. When arthritis wears away the cartilage, an anatomic (total) shoulder replacement resurfaces the worn ball with a polished metal ball and the socket with a smooth plastic cup, recreating the joint's natural anatomy.
Because the implant mirrors normal anatomy, it relies on a healthy, functioning rotator cuff to move and stabilize the new joint, which is what makes it the right choice for arthritis when the cuff is intact.
What & why
Why it's recommended
Osteoarthritis or post-traumatic arthritis with an intact rotator cuff
Persistent pain and stiffness despite non-surgical care
Good bone quality to support the implant
A patient seeking lasting pain relief and restored motion
At a glance
A trusted operation
Shoulder replacement is one of the most successful and satisfying procedures in orthopedics, with reliable, long-lasting relief of arthritis pain.
Anesthesia & hospital stay
The day of surgery
The procedure takes about one and a half to two hours. You'll be fully asleep, with a regional nerve block for comfort afterward.
General anesthesia
Completely asleep, with a nerve block for lasting comfort.
About 2 hours
Most anatomic replacements take 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Home same day
Many patients go home the day of surgery; some stay one night.
Outpatient setting
Performed at Summit Atlantic Surgery Center or Overlook.
Recovery timeline & milestones
What recovery looks like
Recovery is steady and well-tolerated, with motion returning before strength.
Protect & rest
A sling supports the shoulder while early gentle motion begins.
Begin motion
Therapy restores range of motion as the soft tissues heal.
Active use
You regain active motion and function for daily tasks.
Strength
Strength continues to build toward your best result.
Risks & benefits
Weighing the procedure
- Reliable, lasting relief from arthritis pain
- Restored, natural shoulder motion
- Recreates normal joint mechanics
- A durable implant designed to last many years
- Infection or wound-healing problems
- Stiffness if therapy lags
- Implant loosening over time
- Later rotator cuff wear
Treats these conditions
Anatomic replacement is the standard surgical treatment for shoulder arthritis when the rotator cuff is intact.
FAQ
Common questions
-
An anatomic replacement recreates normal anatomy and needs a working rotator cuff. A reverse replacement is used when the cuff is torn, moving the arm with the deltoid instead.
-
Modern shoulder implants are very durable and designed to function well for many years. Dr. Cohn will discuss what to expect for your age and activity.
-
Most patients regain comfortable, functional motion and substantial pain relief after surgery and rehabilitation.
Related conditions