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The humerus into which the prosthesis stem is to be placed is subsequently prepared. To this end, the size of the interior of the femoral bone, the so-called medullary cavity, must be adapted to the prosthesis stem. Before fixing the prosthesis stem – with or without bone cement – in the humerus, it is firstly checked to ensure that the cavity is the correct size.

→ See: 4 How is the shoulder endoprosthesis secured?

The artificial humeral head is finally placed onto the prosthesis stem.

All the necessary joint parts are now in place and the artificial humeral head can be fitted into the prosthetic cup. The surgeon now checks that the joint can be optimally moved.

The muscles are sutured and the wound is closed using either sutures or staples. In order to avoid effusions of blood at the site of operation, a small tube (a so-called Redon drain) is placed in the wound to allow any blood or secretions which seep out to drain away. This can be removed two to three days after the operation.

Before the patient wakes up, a secure dressing is applied and a first X-ray is taken. This allows the surgeon to check the exact position of the shoulder endoprosthesis. The skin staples or stitches are moved after around 12 to 14 days.

Immediately after the operation, the patient is initially monitored and cared for by a specially trained nursing team and anaesthetists in the recovery room. If necessary, infusions or pain killers are administered. Once the patient's general condition has stabilised, he or she is transferred to his or her room on the normal ward. After surgery the operated arm is initially immobilised with a sling dressing or a so-called abduction cushion.