Shoulder Replacement Surgery

If nonsurgical treatments like medications and activity changes are no longer helpful for relieving pain, you may want to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery.

When is Surgery Helpful?

Thanks to recent advances in arthroscopy, many shoulder problems can be corrected using the same techniques that revolutionized the treatment of knee problems. Arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure requiring three tiny incisions closed with one stitch each. This procedure allows the surgeon to see and work inside the shoulder joint.

Problems that can be treated through arthroscopy include:

• impingement syndrome
• irritated rotator cuff
• torn cartilage
• unstable joint

In some cases, however, if the rotator cuff is severely damaged and leads to arthritis, the only option for pain-free motion is a shoulder replacement. Shoulder replacement requires a 1-2 day hospital stay.

When Should you Consider Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

If nonsurgical treatments like medications and activity changes are no longer helpful for relieving pain, you may want to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery. Joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure to relieve pain and help you resume everyday activities.

In shoulder replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. The treatment options are either replacement of just the head of the humerus bone (ball), or replacement of both the ball and the socket (glenoid).

Referrals and Scheduling

Please call 866-501-DOCS (3627) for information or to make an appointment with or referral to a St. John Providence Orthopedic surgeon.