Total shoulder replacement arthroplasty is a well-established surgery for restoring comfort and
function to the arthritic shoulder. In this procedure the arthritic ball is replaced by a smooth metal
ball fixed to the arm bone (humerus) by a stem that fits within it. The arthritic socket (glenoid)
is resurfaced with high-density polyethylene prosthesis. Among the different surgical options this
procedure appears to provide the most rapid and complete improvement in comfort and function
for shoulders with arthritis. Success requires technical excellence of the surgery and a commitment
to the exercise program until the desired range of motion can be achieved comfortably.