Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Your shoulder joint is responsible for facilitating key movements in your everyday life, such as brushing your teeth or eating food. When shoulder pain stemming from wear and tear or tendon disorders becomes unbearable, your doctor may recommend shoulder replacement surgery.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our qualified, highly-experienced shoulder specialists can help you achieve the relief you need with shoulder replacement surgery. The procedure has proven to be highly effective and can restore mobility and reduce pain in the shoulder joint . Our team will work alongside you at every step of your surgery and help you to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan that will allow you to get back to normal activity and pain-free movement.
If you’re ready to get back to your normal routine without the distraction of shoulder pain, schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.
Shoulder replacement can be a wonderful treatment option in the appropriately selected patient. Under the guidance of a shoulder specialist, you can rest assured your care is among the best. Our physicians trained in shoulder replacement and is the area expert in this field. Make an appointment online or over the phone with our physicians to determine if shoulder replacement is right for you.
Our team is here for you!
FAQs on Shoulder Replacement Surgery
When is shoulder replacement recommended?
Shoulder replacement is becoming increasingly common in the United States due to advancements in technology. Although less frequent than hip or knee replacements, it can be just as effective at relieving pain and restoring function when nonsurgical treatments fail.
The most common reasons for shoulder replacement include:
- **Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)**
- **Severe tendon damage that cannot be repaired**
These conditions are more common with age but can also affect younger individuals. Our physicians will review your condition, X-rays, and discuss the most suitable treatment options for your specific case.
What are the different types of shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement is performed through a small incision at the front of the shoulder. There are two main types:
Total Shoulder Replacement
This procedure resurfaces the **arthritic ball-and-socket joint** with a **metal ball** and a **plastic socket**. This helps restore motion and relieve pain. **A functioning rotator cuff is necessary** for this type of replacement.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
In this procedure, **the ball and socket positions are reversed**—the ball is placed on the glenoid (shoulder socket) and the socket is placed on the humerus (upper arm bone). This replacement does **not rely on the rotator cuff**, making it ideal for patients with **irreparable tendon damage** or **severe arthritis with rotator cuff dysfunction**.
Our physicians specialize in both **total** and **reverse** shoulder replacements and are actively involved in improving implant designs and surgical techniques.
What is the recovery like after shoulder replacement?
Most patients return home after a **brief hospital stay**, and some may even be discharged the same day due to advancements in **post-surgical pain management**.
Key Recovery Milestones:
- **Sling worn for several weeks** to protect healing tissues.
- **Daily activities like showering can resume within days.**
- **Physical therapy starts while still wearing the sling.**
- **Significant pain relief is typically achieved within weeks.**
- **Full recovery continues for up to 6 months and beyond.**
Many patients find **surprising pain relief within the first few weeks** after surgery, with continued improvements over time.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement?
Like any surgery, shoulder replacement has some risks, but our physicians, anesthesiologists, and surgical teams **take extensive measures to minimize these risks**.
Our team will review all potential risks in detail with you, ensuring you have a thorough understanding before proceeding. **Feel free to ask questions during your consultation** to address any concerns.