Hemiarthroplasty (Shoulder)
A partial shoulder replacement where only the ball portion of the joint is replaced — preserving the natural socket while restoring pain-free shoulder movement and function.
What is Hemiarthroplasty (Shoulder)?
Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty replaces only the ball portion of the shoulder joint (humeral head) with an artificial implant, while the natural glenoid socket is preserved. This is appropriate when the humeral head is severely damaged but the socket remains healthy. It is most commonly performed for complex humeral head fractures, avascular necrosis, and selected traumatic injuries where the socket is intact. The targeted replacement relieves pain and restores movement while preserving as much natural joint tissue as possible
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Imaging
Pre-operative Imaging
Surgical Access
An incision over the shoulder exposes the joint; surrounding soft tissues are gently retracted to access the humeral head.
Removal of Damaged Humeral Head
The fractured or damaged humeral head is carefully excised, preserving the surrounding soft tissue attachments as much as possible.
Humeral Canal Preparation
The canal of the humerus is precisely shaped to receive the prosthetic stem for secure, stable implant fixation.
Prosthetic Ball Placement
A metal ball on a stem is inserted into the humerus; it articulates with the patient's preserved natural glenoid socket.
Joint Assessment & Wound Closure
Movement and stability are confirmed; the incision is closed with sutures and the arm is placed in a sling for recovery.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- → Preserves the natural glenoid socket — less bone removed than total replacement
- → Preserves the natural glenoid socket — less bone removed than total replacement
- →Relieves shoulder pain and restores comfortable movement
- →Shorter, more targeted procedure than total shoulder replacement
- →Allows conversion to full replacement in the future if required
- →Physiotherapy supports smooth functional recoveryHemiarthroplasty is a well-established solution for severe humeral head fractures and selected joint damage. By replacing only the ball and preserving the natural socket, we restore comfortable shoulder function with a targeted, less invasive approach.”
Hemiarthroplasty is a well-established solution for severe humeral head fractures and selected joint damage. By replacing only the ball and preserving the natural socket, we restore comfortable shoulder function with a targeted, less invasive approach.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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