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I had a total shoulder replacement in 2009 after a bicycle accident. Shattered humor head in about six pieces (makes an interesting x-ray). Doc said he could make a good looking bone, but the bone would die because the blood supply had been compromised, leading to severe arthritis. Surgery #1 put the bone back together with screws & a plate. Surgery #2 involved removal of the humor head and insertion of a pin in the bone and a ball to replace the head. Surgery #3 involved replacing the "receiver" or "socket," even though the joint is not really a ball & socket like a hip.
I still have a little residual nerve pain and reduce mobility. Arm mobility is pretty much limited to 90 degrees perpendicular when standing. The pain only bothers when I sleep in one position too long. It feels like when your leg goes numb on an airplane because you can't move around. I just take a night time Tylenol before I go to bed.
Be advised the "carpentry" work is done with the bone poking out as your shoulder is pulled back on the table. Protecting the nerve that runs through there (makes your hand & fingers work) is paramount in this procedure. I believe the residual nerve pain is from that nerve being moved around. That is why you want a shoulder only specialist to be doing this procedure. If that nerve is damaged, that's a bell that can't be un-rung.
All that said, after the total replacement, my shoulder felt better immediately after the surgery than it did before. Of course, technically there was no joint left to hurt.
Good luck!
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