
What is Hemiarthroplasty?
Hemiarthroplasty, also known as partial shoulder replacement, involves replacing only the ball (humeral head) of the shoulder with a metal prosthesis while keeping the natural socket (glenoid) intact. It’s typically recommended for shoulder arthritis when there isn’t enough healthy bone for a full replacement. This surgery isn’t suitable for patients with coracoacromial ligament issues.
Benefits:
- Pain relief
- Preserves natural bone
- Improved function
Recovery: Physical therapy helps regain movement and strength. While pain relief and function improve, results might be less dramatic compared to total shoulder replacement.