Shoulder replacement is less common than hip or knee replacement, but it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. Shoulder replacement surgery was first carried out in the 1950s and was primarily used to treat major fractures of bones in the shoulder joint. Today, with much improved artificial joints available, and a better understanding of the shoulder joint itself, shoulder replacement is routinely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other painful conditions of the shoulder joint. Around 23,000 shoulder replacements were carried out in the USA in 2004. My Shoulder explains some of the reasons why people need shoulder replacement surgery, and what is done during a shoulder replacement operation.         We soon hope to add some case studies of patients who have undergone shoulder replacement surgery.   The information contained within this site has been designed for you – the patient – and is presented in lay terms with the intention of helping you to make an informed choice with regard to your choice of treatment, in consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon. If you would like more information, or have specific questions you would like answered, do not hesitate to contact us using the comments form provided.