Important Note: This content is intended to provide an overview of shoulder pain, treatment options, and Zimmer shoulder implants and should be reviewed with your orthopedic specialist. It does not include all of the information needed to determine eligibility for shoulder replacement or for the proper use and care of a prosthetic shoulder implant. Please consult your orthopedic specialist for more information.
Individual results may vary. Your results will depend on your personal circumstances. How long a shoulder replacement will last varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors, such as the patient’s physical condition, activity level, and body weight and the surgical technique. Replacement joints are not as strong or durable as natural, healthy joints, and there is no guarantee that a prosthetic joint will last the rest of a patient’s life. All shoulder replacements may need to be replaced at some point.
Possible complications of shoulder replacement surgery include loosening or fracture of the shoulder components and dislocation and/or joint instability of the prosthetic shoulder. Additional surgical procedures may be required to address these and other complications. Excessive physical activity, injury, and obesity also can result in loosening, wear, and/or fracture of your shoulder implant. Failure to follow through with the required rehabilitation program or failure to govern your physical activities as directed by your physician also may cause your shoulder implant to fail.
Shoulder implants are available only on the order of a physician.