Total Shoulder Replacement
What Is Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement, also called total shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial components called implants. It may be an option when severe arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities, such as getting dressed, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably.
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. During a traditional total shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the damaged ball at the top of the upper arm bone with a metal ball and resurfaces the socket with a plastic component. The goal is to relieve pain and improve shoulder movement and function.
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons evaluate your joint health, surrounding muscles and tendons, and personal goals to determine the right treatment for you. From your initial consultation through recovery and rehabilitation, our team provides guidance and support to help you return to the activities that matter most.
Total Shoulder Replacement
What Is Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement, also called total shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial components called implants. It may be an option when severe arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty with everyday activities, such as getting dressed, reaching overhead, or sleeping comfortably.
Your shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. During a traditional total shoulder replacement, the surgeon replaces the damaged ball at the top of the upper arm bone with a metal ball and resurfaces the socket with a plastic component. The goal is to relieve pain and improve shoulder movement and function.
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons evaluate your joint health, surrounding muscles and tendons, and personal goals to determine the right treatment for you. From your initial consultation through recovery and rehabilitation, our team provides guidance and support to help you return to the activities that matter most.
When Is Total Shoulder Replacement Recommended?
Total shoulder replacement may be an option when persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited movement interfere with your daily life. Symptoms may make it difficult to reach overhead, get dressed, lift everyday objects, or sleep comfortably.
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons consider nonsurgical treatments first, such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and activity modifications. When these approaches no longer provide adequate relief, shoulder replacement may help reduce pain and improve function.
Conditions that may lead to shoulder replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis: The gradual breakdown of protective cartilage, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining and can damage cartilage and bone over time.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops following a shoulder injury, such as a fracture or ligament injury, and may cause lasting pain and joint damage.
- Osteonecrosis: Sometimes called avascular necrosis, this condition involves the loss of blood supply to an area of bone and can lead to bone damage or collapse within the shoulder joint.
The condition of your rotator cuff also helps determine which procedure is appropriate. A traditional total shoulder replacement generally requires a functioning rotator cuff, while a reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended for certain patients with significant rotator cuff damage.
Our team will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, overall health, and treatment goals to help you understand your options and choose the right next step.
When Is Total Shoudler Replacement Recommended?
Total shoulder replacement may be an option when persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited movement interfere with your daily life. Symptoms may make it difficult to reach overhead, get dressed, lift everyday objects, or sleep comfortably.
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons consider nonsurgical treatments first, such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and activity modifications. When these approaches no longer provide adequate relief, shoulder replacement may help reduce pain and improve function.
Conditions that may lead to shoulder replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis: The gradual breakdown of protective cartilage in the shoulder, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. It is the most common reason for shoulder replacement.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joint lining and can damage cartilage and bone over time.
- Osteonecrosis: Sometimes called avascular necrosis, this condition involves the loss of blood supply to an area of bone and can lead to bone damage or collapse within the shoulder joint.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops following a shoulder injury, such as a fracture or ligament injury, and may cause lasting pain and joint damage.
The condition of your rotator cuff also helps determine which procedure is appropriate. A traditional total shoulder replacement generally requires a functioning rotator cuff, while a reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended for certain patients with significant rotator cuff damage.
Our team will evaluate your symptoms, imaging, overall health, and treatment goals to help you understand your options and choose the right next step.
What Are the Benefits of Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement can help relieve persistent shoulder pain and make everyday activities more comfortable. At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons discuss your goals and explain how surgery may improve your movement, function, and quality of life. Potential benefits include:
Pain Relief
Reduce shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities and rest.
Improved Mobility
Make reaching, getting dressed, and grooming easier.
Greater Independence
Manage everyday tasks more comfortably and with less reliance on others.
Better Sleep
Experience fewer nighttime disruptions caused by shoulder pain.
Improved Shoulder Function
Use your arm more comfortably for daily routines and appropriate recreational activities.
Better Quality of Life
Return to more of the activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
Results and recovery vary for each person. Our team will help you set realistic expectations and guide you through preparation, recovery, and rehabilitation.
What Are the Benefits of Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement can help relieve persistent shoulder pain and make everyday activities more comfortable. At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons discuss your goals and explain how surgery may improve your movement, function, and quality of life. Potential benefits include:
Pain Relief
Reduce persistent shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities and rest.
Improved Mobility
Make reaching, getting dressed, and grooming easier.
Greater Independence
Manage everyday tasks more comfortably and with less reliance on others.
Better Sleep
Experience fewer nighttime disruptions caused by shoulder pain.
Improved Shoulder Function
Use your arm more comfortably for daily routines and appropriate recreational activities.
Better Quality of Life
Return to more of the activities you enjoy with greater comfort and confidence.
Results and recovery vary for each person. Our team will help you set realistic expectations and guide you through preparation, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Total Shoulder Replacement at OrthoNC
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons provide personalized care focused on relieving pain and helping you use your shoulder more comfortably. We take time to understand how your symptoms affect your daily life, evaluate your joint health, and recommend treatment based on your needs and goals.
If total shoulder replacement is right for you, our team will explain your surgical options, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and help you prepare for recovery. From your first consultation through rehabilitation and follow-up care, we’re here to answer your questions and help you feel informed and confident in your care.
Total Shoulder Replacement at OrthoNC
At OrthoNC, our shoulder replacement surgeons provide personalized care focused on relieving pain and helping you use your shoulder more comfortably. We take time to understand how your symptoms affect your daily life, evaluate your joint health, and recommend treatment based on your needs and goals.
If total shoulder replacement is right for you, our team will explain your surgical options, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and help you prepare for recovery. From your first consultation through rehabilitation and follow-up care, we’re here to answer your questions and help you feel informed and confident in your care.
Total Joint Specialists at OrthoNC
At OrthoNC, our total joint specialists understand that joint pain affects everyone differently. We take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your symptoms, and develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
With nonsurgical treatments and joint replacement options available, our team helps you understand your choices and feel confident in your next steps. From your initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care, we’re here to help you find relief, improve mobility, and return to the activities that matter most.
Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD
General Orthopaedic Surgery & Total Joint Arthroplasty
Marcus DiLallo, MD
Total Joint Arthroplasty
David Rion, MD
Total Joint Arthroplasty
Total Joint Specialists at OrthoNC
At OrthoNC, our total joint specialists understand that joint pain affects everyone differently. We take time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your symptoms, and develop a personalized treatment plan that reflects your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
With nonsurgical treatments and joint replacement options available, our team helps you understand your choices and feel confident in your next steps. From your initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care, we’re here to help you find relief, improve mobility, and return to the activities that matter most.
Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD
General Orthopaedic Surgery & Total Joint Arthroplasty
Marcus DiLallo, MD
Total Joint Arthroplasty
David Rion, MD
Total Joint Arthroplasty
Comprehensive Shoulder and Joint Care at OrthoNC
Take the First Step Toward Moving More Comfortably
Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks challenging and keep you from the activities you enjoy. At OrthoNC, our specialists provide personalized shoulder and joint care to help relieve pain, improve movement, and support your long-term joint health.
Whether you’re exploring nonsurgical treatments or considering shoulder replacement, our team will explain your options and help you choose the right next step for your needs and goals.
Schedule an appointment online or call OrthoNC to connect with our team. We’re here to answer your questions and support you throughout your care.
