Your shoulder is a highly mobile joint comprised of the upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle). Like any joint, your shoulder works like a ball and socket: the ball-shaped head of the upper arm bone fits into a socket in the shoulder blade, called the glenoid.

Inside your shoulder is the articular cartilage, which is like a smooth cushion that protects and helps the bones move easily. There’s also the synovial membrane, a thin tissue layer that produces fluid to keep the cartilage slippery so your shoulder moves smoothly like a well-oiled engine.

There could be many reasons for shoulder pain, such as arthritis, injuries or degenerative conditions. When you no longer find relief from simple treatments like medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes, it may be time to talk to your doctor about exploring more advanced treatments like shoulder joint replacement surgery. You may benefit from this procedure if you have:

• Intense shoulder pain that’s affecting daily activities.
• Moderate to severe pain while resting, even preventing you from having a good night’s sleep.
• Weakness or loss of motion in the shoulder.

Before prescribing treatment, your doctor will investigate the root cause of your shoulder joint pain. They will ask about your pain history—when it started, what makes it better or worse and other details about your overall health. After that, your doctor may use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT or MRI scans to get a clearer picture of your joint’s condition.

In shoulder joint replacement, your surgeon will remove damaged or diseased parts of the joint and replace them with new, artificial parts, prostheses or implants. Your doctor may recommend a type of joint replacement procedure depending on the damage to your shoulder joint.

A joint replacement surgery is usually performed in a minimally invasive way. It works by making small cuts on the patient’s body to insert surgical instruments and a special camera into it. The camera allows the surgeon to see inside the joint clearly. A minimally invasive procedure is often associated with less blood loss, reduced pain, smaller scars, faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay for patients compared to traditional surgery.

If you are scheduled for a joint replacement consultation, your doctor will discuss with you what to expect before, during and after your possible surgery. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your procedure. No surgery is one-size-fits-all, so your joint replacement journey is personalized and crafted to fit your health goals and lifestyle.

With quality materials and advanced surgical techniques, joint replacements can generally still function for up to 10 years. Keep in mind that other factors, such as wear and tear caused by years of movement, can affect its performance and lifespan. Stay on top of your doctor’s appointments so you can enjoy the benefits of pain-free joints for a long time.

Your doctor may qualify you for shoulder replacement, but the decision to push through is yours. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you make an informed decision. Don’t be afraid to gather as much info from your surgeon or healthcare team.

1. Can I endure this pain every day?
2. Have my joint pain and stiffness worsened in the past year?
3. Have I stopped doing the activities I enjoy due to joint pain?
4. Have I considered all available treatment options?
5. How can joint replacement help improve my condition?
6. Can I allocate the necessary time for recovery without affecting my commitments?
7. Do I have a support system to help me during my recovery?