Shoulder arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis.

Replacement arthroplasty for the shoulder in rheumatoid arthritis is an operation which is being performed increasingly often. Several types of arthroplasty may be performed. One type is a true total shoulder replacement which involves replacing both the head of the humerus and the glenoid fossa. In a second type of arthroplasty, the articular surface of the humeral head is replaced. A modification of this type is the addition of a polyethylene spacer. Indictations for surgery, the surgical procedure, and the postoperative management are duscussed. The primary goal in the rheumatoid shoulder is a pain-free joint with a functional range of motion.