Shoulder Replacement

The shoulder joint connects the humerus to the scapula. Its ball-and-socket structure allows the arm to lift, bend, straighten, rotate, and move forward and backward. The surrounding muscles and tendons form the rotator cuff, which provides stability and full range of motion. However, this design also makes the shoulder prone to dislocation. The rotator cuff muscles and tendons can lose elasticity, wear out, tear, and sustain damage. This leads to shoulder pain, making it difficult to dress, wash, work, or drive.

The cartilage tissue between the bones acts as a shock absorber, preventing bone-on-bone friction. When this cartilage “ages,” loses its elasticity, breaks down, or completely disappears, the cushioning between bones diminishes. Cartilage erosion results in severe, unbearable shoulder pain and limited arm mobility.

• Fractures of the humeral head, clavicle, or arm bones

• Fractures of the shoulder socket (glenoid)

• Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint

• Shoulder joint osteoarthrosis

• Calcium gout (calcium deposits damaging cartilage)

• Hormonal disorders

• Congenital shoulder joint abnormalities

• Rotator cuff tears and more

Approximately 80% of the population suffers from various causes of cartilage degeneration. Medications may temporarily relieve pain but cannot heal eroded or destroyed cartilage. Pain management includes medications, steroids, and limited-range physical therapy exercises.

At the Orthopedics Department of Ichilov Hospital in Israel, diagnosis involves X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. After a thorough assessment, the appropriate treatment is determined. If necessary, surgical intervention is recommended—specifically, a shoulder replacement in Israel. An artificial joint replaces the damaged one.

Patients must stop taking anticoagulants like aspirin a week before surgery. It’s essential to inform the medical team of chronic conditions, past acute illnesses, and injuries, such as pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, or diabetes.

Shoulder replacement surgery in Israel is performed under general anesthesia. The artificial joint replicates the main components of the shoulder. Each patient receives a custom-designed anatomical endoprosthesis that mimics the biomechanics of a healthy shoulder joint.

Most shoulder replacement prostheses consist of metal and durable plastic. In some cases, a total shoulder replacement is necessary, replacing the entire joint. The procedure restores movement and relieves pain by replacing the damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder and humerus.