Total Joint Replacement
Total joint replacement is a surgical procedure to remove and replace an arthritic or damaged joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). It should be considered only after other treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief from pain and/or disability typically caused by severe arthritis.

Most total joint replacements involve hip and knee joints, however, total joint replacement also can be performed on joints in the ankle, shoulder, fingers and elbow.

Individuals with a total joint replacement still can lead active lifestyles. Exercise is important in the recovery process as well as in the years following the surgery. A proper exercise program can help restore mobility and strength in the joint.

Your surgeon will evaluate you and discuss whether shoulder replacement surgery is the best method to relieve your pain and improve your mobility. Other treatment options such as medications, physical therapy or other types of surgery also may be considered.

Hemiarthroplasty
Hemiarthroplasty is a type of shoulder replacement in which the humeral head is replaced with an artificial implant. Hemiarthroplasty has been widely used for the treatment of fractures and arthritic shoulder joint.

Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. A fiberoptic scope and small instruments are inserted through small puncture wounds instead of an open incision. The scope is connected to a television monitor where the surgeon can perform the repair under video control. They can then determine the amount or type of injury, and repair or correct the problem, if necessary. There are many kinds of arthroscopy:

• Rotator cuff repair - Rotator cuff tear is most common in people who are over the age of 40. It may occur in younger patients following acute trauma or repetitive overhead work or sports activity. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may develop acutely or have a more gradual onset. Repair can be completed through arthroscopy.
• Labral repair- Tears of the labrum can cause pain, clicking and a sense of instability or looseness in the shoulder. A labral tear does not heal on its own and can cause significant disability. Repair can be done through an open procedure or arthroscopically. 
• Subacromial decompression is performed for subacromial impingement, a condition that causes pain in the shoulder. In most instances, the pain is related to movement of the shoulder, particularly when the hand is raised above shoulder height. Subacromial impingement is frequently related to repetitive movements such as baseball, softball, swimming and racquet sports. This procedure is commonly done through arthroscopy.
• AC joint debridement - Debridement involves removing loose fragments and damaged tissue from around the joint, which allows the doctor to see the extent of the injury and determine whether more surgery is needed. Debridement may be done with arthroscopic surgery or open surgery. Sometimes it is done with arthroscopic surgery before an open surgery. It may also be done alone to help relieve pain and other symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment. It may be an option for people who don't want to have open surgery.

Open Rotator Cuff Repairs
Rotator cuff tears are most common in people who are over the age of 40. It may occur in younger patients following acute trauma or repetitive overhead work or sports activity. Symptoms of a rotator cuff tear may develop acutely or have a more gradual onset. A traditional open surgical incision is often required if the tear is large or complex. In some severe cases, where arthritis has developed, shoulder replacement is an option. Your surgeon will recommend which technique is best for you.

Biotenodesis
Biotenodesis is a surgical procedure for biceps tendon tears or biceps tendon dislocation. This is occasionally an isolated cause of significant shoulder pain but is more commonly found with subacromial impingement and a rotator cuff tear. The repair can usually be done with arthroscopic surgery. If the entire bicep is ruptured, an open technique is preferred to be able to identify the tendon.