Did you know that joints can be replaced? Replacement of joints means that the bones that make up the joint are removed during surgery, and replaced with artificial pieces of bones. Most of these artificial bones are made from high-strength plastic or metal. For years, patients have had hips replaced. Recently, shoulder replacement surgeries are possible.

Shoulder replacement surgery is indicated in certain conditions. These include:
* severe shoulder pain not responding to other treatments,
* severe rheumatoid arthritis which has destroyed the joint, or
* trauma that has injured the joint.

Shoulder replacement is major surgery and is usually done by an orthopedic surgeon. It requires patient cooperation, as the recovery includes many weeks of physical therapy. Patients who undergo this surgery are usually referred to physical therapy before the surgery. This is done to help strengthen the muscles that are around your shoulder, so that they will be stronger after the surgery. Exercises are often taught pre-operatively that will be done following surgery to minimize recovery time.

Occasionally, an infection in the joint may follow the surgery. Any of these symptoms can be a sign of infection:
* heat,
* warmth,
* redness, or
* fever or chills.

If you develop any of these problems, see your health care provider right away.

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