Shoulder Replacement

Our surgeons will help you determine if surgery should be your next option and whether you would benefit from reverse shoulder replacement.

Who Needs Total Shoulder Replacement

A total shoulder replacement can help increase your range of motion and relieve pain from arthritis, fractures and rotator cuff tears. You may need shoulder replacement surgery if you:

• Have daily pain (namely a consistent grinding sensation) in your shoulder that makes it difficult to reach up or prevents you from performing normal activities
• Have had significant damage to your shoulder from trauma
• Have tried nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy and medications without success

Conditions Which Could Require Total Replacement

• Torn rotator cuff
• Broken shoulder
• Shoulder arthritis

What to Expect From Surgery

First, your damaged shoulder socket will be removed and replaced with a plastic socket. Next, the ball will be removed from the top of your upper forearm bone, the humerus, and replaced with a metal ball and stem. The stem fits into your arm bone, and the ball fits into the shoulder socket.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Your arm will be immobilized for six weeks following surgery. You will be able to use your arm for activities like eating and brushing your teeth starting the morning after surgery. The hospital stay is typically one night, though many patients go home the same day.

During your first eight weeks at home, you will do exercises to improve motion. Your physical therapist will gradually add exercises to strengthen muscles.

You should be able to eat, dress and do most daily activities within the first week or two following surgery. Full recovery takes about four to six months.

Call 240-677-2224 to schedule an appointment in Laurel or Largo or request an appointment online.