Body Area: Arms / Hands

Body Parts: Shoulder

Symptoms: Numbness or Tingling

Description:
When the protective lining of cartilage in the should joint wears away, total shoulder replacement may be needed to restore mobility and alleviate pain. A metal and plastic implant is used in place of the ball and socket joint of the shoulder. The ball from the top of the humerus is cut away to allow for insertion of the implant and the stem is inserted into a hole drilled into the center of the humerus. The plastic socket for the prosthetic shoulder will be cemented into place with bone glue in most cases. This surgery is typically done under general anesthesia.