What is the difference between conventional and reverse shoulder replacement?

A conventional replacement keeps the natural layout of the joint and works well when the rotator cuff tendons are intact. A reverse replacement swaps the ball and socket so that the deltoid muscle powers the arm; it is used mainly when the rotator cuff is badly torn and cannot be repaired.

How long will I wear a sling?

Usually for the first 2 to 6 weeks after surgery, depending on the operation and your surgeon’s advice.

Will I be able to lift my arm above my head?

After rehabilitation following a reverse shoulder replacement, you will most likely be able to lift your arm above shoulder height. How much movement returns varies from person to person, and your surgeon will explain what is realistic for you.

How long does a shoulder replacement last?

A review of case series and national registry data found that about 90% of shoulder replacements last longer than 10 years, and that improvements reported by patients were sustained.

What should I avoid after a shoulder replacement?

In the early weeks, do not use the arm to push yourself up from a bed or chair, and avoid extreme positions such as reaching behind your body. In the long term, avoid contact sports and repetitive heavy lifting.

Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

How conventional and reverse shoulder replacement differ, who may be considered for each, what recovery involves and the risks to discuss with your…

Book Appointment View Related Services

Shoulder Replacement Surgery care at Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana — AI-generated illustration

NABH Pre-Accreditation (Entry Level)

Diagnosis and imaging guidance

Cashless & reimbursement assistance

Follow-up and rehabilitation support

What a shoulder replacement involves Conventional and reverse shoulder replacement compared Who may be considered for shoulder replacement Recovery after shoulder replacement Risks and limitations of shoulder replacement Frequently asked questions about shoulder replacement Charges and insurance Treatment Journey References

What a shoulder replacement involves

Shoulder replacement replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. In a conventional (anatomic) total shoulder replacement, the arthritic surfaces are replaced with a polished metal ball and a plastic socket.^[1] In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are swapped so that the deltoid muscle, instead of the rotator cuff, powers and positions the arm.^[2]

For many people, shoulder replacement relieves pain effectively.^[1] It may be considered when pain, loss of movement or weakness affects daily life and other treatments have not helped enough.^[1]

Conventional replacement for osteoarthritis with intact rotator cuff tendons^[1,3]
Reverse replacement for some irreparable rotator cuff tears, complex fractures or failed earlier replacements^[2]
You may go home the same day or stay overnight for observation^[1]
A sling for the first 2 to 6 weeks, with gentle physiotherapy soon after the operation^[1]

Your surgeon will explain which type of replacement suits your shoulder and what movement and strength you can realistically expect afterwards.

Conventional and reverse shoulder replacement compared

Key points

Conventional (anatomic) total shoulder replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement

How it works

Replaces the worn surfaces with a metal ball and plastic socket, keeping the natural layout of the joint^[1]

Swaps the ball and socket so that the deltoid muscle lifts and positions the arm^[2]

Usually considered for

Osteoarthritis with intact rotator cuff tendons and enough bone in the socket^[1,3]

Irreparable rotator cuff tears, cuff tear arthropathy, complex fractures, chronic dislocation or a failed earlier replacement^[2]

Early restrictions

Sling for 2 to 6 weeks; lift nothing heavier than a glass of water during this time^[1]

Avoid extreme arm positions and lifting more than about 2 kg (5 lb) for the first 6 weeks, unless your surgeon advises otherwise^[2]

Still in place at 10 years (registry data)

About 92%^[4]

About 94%^[4]

The two operations usually treat different problems, so they are rarely alternatives for the same shoulder. NICE recommends a conventional total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis with no rotator cuff tear when the socket bone is adequate.^[3] The registry figures come from different groups of patients and do not show that one design is better than the other.

Who may be considered for shoulder replacement

Replacement for shoulder osteoarthritis may be considered when symptoms substantially affect your quality of life and non-surgical treatment has not helped.^[5] You may be a candidate if you have:

Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities^[1]
Moderate to severe pain at rest, which may be bad enough to disturb sleep^[1]
Loss of movement or weakness in the shoulder^[1]
Too little improvement with anti-inflammatory medicines, injections or physiotherapy^[1]
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis after an injury, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis, a severe fracture or a failed earlier replacement^[1]

Recovery after shoulder replacement

Typical ranges. Your surgeon will adjust the plan to the type of replacement and how your shoulder is healing.

Day of surgery
After the operation

Rehabilitation should start on the day of surgery if possible, and within 24 hours.^[3] Antibiotics are given to help prevent infection, and many people eat and get out of bed the day after surgery.^[1]
Days 0–2
Going home

You may go home the same day or stay overnight for observation; people with other health conditions or limited help at home may stay longer.^[1] You should be given advice on rehabilitation before you leave.^[3]
Weeks 1–2
Sling and home exercises

The sling protects your shoulder for the first 2 to 6 weeks. You may need to do your home exercises 2 to 3 times a day for a month or more. Most people can eat, dress and groom themselves within 2 weeks.^[1]
Weeks 2–6
Protecting the shoulder

Do not drive or lift anything heavier than a glass of water for 2 to 6 weeks, and do not use the arm to push yourself up from a bed or chair.^[1]
After 6 weeks
Building movement and strength

Supervised physiotherapy may be offered if you are having difficulties with daily activities or your rehabilitation goals.^[3] Contact sports and repetitive heavy lifting should be avoided in the long term.^[1]

Risks and limitations of shoulder replacement

Like any operation, shoulder replacement has risks. Most complications can be treated successfully.^[1]

Infection in the wound or deep around the implant, which can happen even years later; a deep infection may need further surgery^[1]
Wear, loosening or dislocation of the implant, which may need revision surgery^[1,2]
Nerve injury, which is infrequent^[1]
Fracture of the weakened bone around the implant^[1]
Bleeding^[2]
Long-term limits: contact sports and repetitive heavy lifting should be avoided after a shoulder replacement^[1]

Tell your doctor if your pain has not begun to improve within a few days of surgery.^[1] Contact the hospital promptly if you develop a fever, chills, or increasing redness, swelling or discharge from the wound.

Frequently asked questions about shoulder replacement

Charges and insurance

Treatment charges depend on clinical evaluation, the procedure, implant selection (where applicable), and room category. You can request an estimate after consultation before deciding on treatment. The hospital’s insurance desk assists with cashless pre-authorisation and reimbursement documentation for eligible policies — see the Insurance page.

Patient pathway