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What to Know About Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder arthroplasty—or shoulder replacement surgery—is a common procedure that can help people with joint pain and limited range of motion. Research shows that over 40% of people in the U.S. suffer from chronic shoulder pain that limits their daily activities. The good news is that shoulder replacement surgery can help alleviate this pain and improve your quality of life.

Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial joint. The surgery is usually done as a one-time procedure, but there are options to have it repeated if needed. The surgery is recommended for patients with severe joint pain and limited range of motion, for whom no medications or other treatments are working. If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, here are some things to know:

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

There are two main types of shoulder replacement surgery: total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement. During a total shoulder replacement surgery, doctors replace the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder joint with an artificial joint. It is typically for patients with rotator cuff tears or arthritis of the shoulder.

In a reverse total shoulder replacement surgery, the socket and the ball are switched. A ball-shaped implant is put into the socket, and a metal stem is inserted through the ball. The stem is then connected to the artificial joint. This is for patients who have a torn rotator cuff or whose total shoulder replacement surgery didn’t fix the shoulder enough.

Surgery Procedure

The shoulder replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be kept unconscious during the surgery. The surgery will usually take around two to three hours. The surgeon will make an incision on your upper arm and remove the damaged joint, and they will then install the artificial shoulder joint. The implant usually takes about two weeks to heal.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Once the surgery is over, you will need to stay hospitalized for a few days. After the surgery, patients wear a sling for about six to eight weeks. You will then be able to resume light activity and start physical therapy. Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are usually prescribed after the surgery.

Most patients can resume their regular activities within three to six months after the surgery. In some cases, it may take a little longer.

Risks and Complications of the Surgery

As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery. The most common complication is infection. Other risks include blood clots, nerve damage, and failure of the implant. However, the odds of these complications are relatively low.

It’s important to discuss all of your risks and benefits with your surgeon before you have the surgery.

Man serving a tennis ball after shoulder surgery.

As a leading Specialty Hospital near NASA TX, we have a team of experienced, qualified, and compassionate orthopedic Surgeon League City TX on board.

If you’ve been experiencing chronic shoulder pain, first see your usual doctor and then consult with an orthopedic shoulder specialist. Our specialty physicians also provide treatments for neck pain, knee pain, joint pain, and more.

Find a doctor who’s right for you.