Shoulder replacement

There are many conditions, such as advanced arthritis of the shoulder, that may best be treated with a joint replacement. We will help diagnose the issues you're having, and we'll find the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

In general, you may be considered for a shoulder replacement if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain or decreased range of motion in your shoulder that makes daily activities, such as dressing and grooming, difficult
• Difficulty reaching over your head or behind your back
• Pain that is not relieved by conservative methods of treatment, such as injections, medications or therapy
• Popping, catching or grinding in the shoulder joint during movement
• Pain that radiates from the shoulder down into the upper arm
• Weakness in the shoulder that makes carrying and lifting objects difficult

Shoulder replacement surgery replaces a damaged or diseased shoulder joint with prostheses (implants) made from metal, plastic or ceramics. Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine the right procedure for you based on your overall health, unique anatomy, medical history and bone quality.

Partial shoulder replacement

A partial shoulder procedure is commonly referred to as a shoulder hemiarthroplasty or humeral head resurfacing. Only the humerus (top of the arm bone) component is replaced or resurfaced during this procedure. The glenoid (socket on the shoulder blade) component is not changed.

Our specialists typically recommend this procedure if you have a damaged humeral head but a good amount of cartilage remaining on the glenoid socket.

Reverse shoulder replacement

Our orthopedic surgeons also perform reverse shoulder replacements. In this procedure, the ball and socket components are switched allowing the primary shoulder muscle (deltoid muscle) to lift the arm. This procedure is recommended if the rotator cuff can no longer do so effectively.

Our surgeons typically recommend this procedure if you have a damaged shoulder joint and an irreparable rotator cuff tear.

Total shoulder replacement

A total shoulder replacement involves replacing both the humeral head and the glenoid socket with prostheses. There are several different styles of total shoulder replacement implants that vary in size, shape, composition and fixation.

Our surgeons typically recommend this procedure if you have severe damage to one or more parts of the shoulder joint.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation helps you regain range of motion and recover safely after shoulder replacement surgery. Our hospitals' inpatient therapy teams will begin rehabilitation as soon as possible while you are still in the hospital. If our teams also recommend ongoing physical therapy, we can connect you with the resources to complete this type of program.