Hemiarthroplasty replaces only the articular surface of the humeral head. The humeral head bone is not removed. This prosthesis model is suitable in cases where the stabilizing muscles of the shoulder joint (rotator cuff) are intact or only slightly damaged and the shoulder socket (glenoidea) barely shows signs of wear. With this type of shoulder prosthesis, the shoulder joint is repaired by placing a metal surface on the humeral head at the top of the humerus. Cartilage on the surface of the joint cavity (glenoide) remains intact. Shoulder hemiarthroplasty has the potential to preserve the joint surface still intact or unused.
