Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can severely impact a person's lifestyle.
Shoulder replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased head of the humerus (ball) and cartilage of the shoulder joint and replaces it with an implant. The surgeon joins the repaired shoulder components to form the new shoulder joint. This is done to restore function and mobility for the patient.