Shoulder Joint Replacement

Shoulder joint replacement, or shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and improve shoulder function in patients with a damaged shoulder joint. At Hand to Shoulder Associates, our skilled surgeons provide expert care and personalized treatment plans to help patients regain mobility, comfort, and quality of life.

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What is shoulder joint replacement?

Shoulder joint replacement is recommended when conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections, do not provide relief from shoulder pain and stiffness. This procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial components made of metal and plastic.

Woman smiling on couch with arms behinder head

Types of shoulder joint replacement surgeries

There are two main types of shoulder joint replacement surgeries:

Total Shoulder Replacement
In this procedure, both the ball (head of the humerus) and the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components. Total shoulder replacement is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis affecting both sides of the shoulder joint.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
This procedure is performed when there is significant damage to the rotator cuff tendons, making it difficult for patients to lift the arm. In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the ball and socket components are switched, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate for the damaged rotator cuff tendons and restore arm movement.

Expert care and personalized treatment plans

Our fellowship-trained, board-certified surgeons at HSA are renowned for their expertise in performing customized shoulder joint replacement surgeries. They have undergone specialized training in upper extremity and microvascular surgery, offering the most advanced, precision surgeries for shoulder joint replacements.

Are you a candidate for shoulder joint replacement surgery?

Before recommending shoulder joint replacement, our surgeons thoroughly evaluate whether this procedure is the most appropriate course of action for the patient's condition. They consider factors such as the extent of shoulder damage, the patient's overall health, and the potential benefits of surgery. Candidates for this advanced surgery may be suffering from one of the following conditions:

Severe Shoulder Arthritis

If you have advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the shoulder joint and conservative treatments have not provided significant relief, shoulder joint replacement may be considered to alleviate pain and improve function.

Rotator Cuff Tears

In some cases, severe rotator cuff tears can lead to significant pain and limited shoulder movement. If the extensive damage impairs daily activities, a reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended to restore arm function.

Fractures and Traumatic Injuries

Certain shoulder fractures and traumatic injuries can damage the shoulder joint, leading to chronic pain and disability. In such cases, shoulder joint replacement may be a viable option to restore stability and function.

Failed Previous Treatments

If previous non-surgical treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and injections, have not provided lasting relief or improvement, shoulder joint replacement may be considered an alternative.

Adequate Bone Quality

For shoulder joint replacement to be successful, the bone quality and structure around the shoulder joint must be sufficient to support the artificial components.

Overall Health

Your health and medical history are crucial in determining your candidacy for surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your general health to ensure you can undergo the procedure safely.

Our team provides personalized care and guidance throughout the treatment process, ensuring that patients are well-informed about their options and involved in the decision-making. We are committed to delivering the highest level of care and support, guiding patients through every step of the journey to better health and comfort.

Why choose us?

If you are experiencing persistent shoulder pain or limited mobility, contact HSA to schedule a consultation with our experienced surgeons. Choosing HSA for shoulder joint replacement guarantees expert care from highly qualified surgeons who are leaders in orthopedics and microvascular surgery. We are here to assess your condition, discuss treatment options, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. With our expert care and compassionate approach, we’ll help you restore function and live a more active, pain-free life.