A global study found that patients can expect large and long-lasting improvements in pain, strength, range of movement, and their ability to complete everyday tasks.

A series of new methods and devices during the "implant revolution" allowed surgeons to stabilize, strengthen, and improve range of motion.

[6] Throughout the development of the procedures, it became well accepted that the rotator cuff muscles were essential to producing the best outcomes in terms of strength, range of motion, and a decrease in pain.

For example, a heavily constrained system limited range of motion, and the inherent anatomy of the glenoid proved difficult to cement prosthetics and fixate components without fracturing it.

[6] However, it is of note that the reverse shoulder replacement is primarily indicated in cases in which a patient has weak or torn rotator cuff muscles.

[8] If all non-surgical, conservative treatment options fail and pain is affecting quality of life, then the shoulder replacement will likely be indicated.

[9][10] The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) was developed in the 1980s as a treatment for rotator cuff tear arthropathy in the elderly.

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tear without osteoarthritis has also been an accepted indication for a number of years, given numerous studies have reported good functional outcomes.

Typically a single rotator cuff muscle is identified and cut to allow direct access to the shoulder joint.

The latest systematic reviews suggests (with low quality evidence) that total shoulder arthroplasty does not provide important benefits over hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tears.

[citation needed] Various materials can be used to make prostheses, however the majority consist of a metal ball that rotates within a polyethylene (plastic) socket.

The metal ball takes the place of the patient's humeral head and is anchored via a stem, which is inserted down the shaft of the humerus.

[13] Recent advances in technology have led to the development of short stem, stemless, as well as cementless humeral replacement components being used in the operating room.

However, despite these risks, shoulder replacement shows promise with a low rate of complication which depending on the type of surgery is close to 5%.

[21][22] An externally validated prediction model to estimate the risk of serious adverse events after shoulder replacement surgery has recently become available.

One example of a commonly used regional anesthetic is an interscalene brachial plexus block and it has been used in a number of shoulder procedures including instability repairs, proximal humeral prosthetic replacements, total shoulder arthroplasties, anterior acromioplasties, rotator cuff repairs, and operative treatment of humeral fractures.

[citation needed] The success rate of placing an interscalene brachial plexus block ranges from 84% to 98% according to some case studies.

[25][26] Major complications such as seizures, cardiac arrests, Horner's syndrome, hoarseness, and inadvertent spinal/epidural anesthesia could occur and therefore, patients should be carefully monitored during the insertion of the block until the end of the surgery.