Shoulder Resurfacing is a superior alternative to shoulder replacement. This procedure allows more bone preservation. It is done primarily for osteoarthritis but is also performed for the conditions listed below. 
Shoulder arthritis is a painful condition which compromises comfort and range of movements. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy are causes of shoulder pain. When conservative measures have failed to relieve pain surgery may be necessary. Traditionally total shoulder replacement (TSR) has been the surgical treatment. Now Shoulder Resurfacing arthroplasty is emerging as a superior alternative. In this procedure, the surgeon just caps the hemispherical end of the humerus with a metal cap. Watch a slide show of the procedure here- http://www.slideshare.net/akvenkat/shoulder-resurfacing
Watch a video of the operation here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D804usQ9L0M&list=HL1320508962&feature=mh_lolz

Shoulder Resurfacing arthroplasty is a joint replacement surgery. By an open surgery, your surgeon will reshape the upper end of the arm bone or humerus. The worn out cartilage will be scraped off removing just a tiny bit. A central peg hole will be drilled in the bone and a metal implant will cap the end.