Evolution of shoulder arthroplasty has led to mainly three types of implants: hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. There is yet no clear consensus about indications for the different existing types of prothesis. The aim of this article is therefore to bring together and clarify the indications found in the current literature. Hemiarthroplasty, historically the first widely used implant, has lost much ground to total shoulder arthroplasty, and keeps its place only for specific situations. Total shoulder arthroplasty is mainly used for centered glenohumeral osteoarthritis, whereas reverse shoulder arthroplasty is indicated for most situations in which the rotator cuff or tuberoties are deficient.