Hemiarthroplasty
Partial Shoulder Replacement in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Partial shoulder replacement - shoulder hemiarthroplasty - resurfaces only the damaged humeral head while leaving the natural glenoid socket untouched. It suits early-stage shoulder arthritis or a proximal humerus fracture where the socket itself remains healthy, preserving more of your own bone and rotator cuff attachment than a total replacement.
- Only the damaged humeral head resurfaced
- Suited to early arthritis and some fractures
- Preserves the natural glenoid socket
- Shorter procedure, less extensive rehabilitation
Who is a candidate
Partial shoulder replacement is best suited to patients with early-stage arthritis confined to the humeral head, or a proximal humerus fracture, where the glenoid socket and rotator cuff remain in reasonable condition. When the socket is also significantly worn, total shoulder replacement gives a more reliable long-term result.
How the surgery is performed
Under anaesthesia, the damaged head of the humerus is removed and replaced with an artificial ball on a stem, sized and positioned to match your own anatomy. Because the glenoid socket is left untouched, less bone is disturbed than in a total replacement.
Recovery
Hospital stay is typically 2 to 3 days. Rehabilitation is usually shorter and less intensive than after total shoulder replacement, with a gradual return to daily activities over the following weeks as strength and range of motion improve.
Frequently asked questions
When is partial shoulder replacement preferred over total?
When arthritis or fracture is limited to the humeral head and the glenoid socket remains healthy, partial replacement preserves more natural bone while giving good pain relief.
How long is recovery after partial shoulder replacement?
Hospital stay is usually 2 to 3 days, with a generally shorter, less intensive rehabilitation period than after total shoulder replacement.
Can a partial shoulder replacement be converted to total later?
Yes, if the glenoid socket wears down over time, revision to a total or reverse shoulder replacement is possible.