Shoulder replacement

The first step in shoulder replacement is a consultation. You should talk to your primary provider and schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists if you:

• Are unable to move your arms above your head or have limited range of motion
• Experience shoulder pain or stiffness that interferes with your daily life
• Have pain that wakes you up from sleeping
• Have tried nonsurgical treatments, such as medicines, physical therapy and injections, without success

Once you and your surgeon have decided that a shoulder replacement is the right step for you, you will undergo some diagnostic testing to determine what type of surgery will work best for you. Everyone is different, and so we provide multiple shoulder replacement procedures, including:

Partial shoulder replacement

During a partial shoulder replacement, only the ball of the joint is replaced. Partial shoulder replacement can be an option when the shoulder socket is still in good condition.

Total shoulder replacement

During a total shoulder replacement, both the ball of the arm bone and shoulder blade socket are replaced. The procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone and implanting the prosthetic parts.

Reverse shoulder replacement:

During a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are placed in opposite (reverse) positions. This is performed when rotator cuff tendons are damaged or certain fractures make a total shoulder replacement impossible.

Shoulder replacement revision:

In a revision surgery, our surgeons perform a follow-up operation after a previous shoulder replacement surgery in order to treat either a complication or unresolved pain. This form of surgery is not often needed, but our surgeons' priority is your health and comfort. If for any reason you don't find relief from a previous surgery, we will work to find a better solution.