Our Services / Shoulder Replacement

What is shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove damaged components of the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that allows motion in your arm. A group of muscles and tendons, called the rotator cuff, stabilize the joint to prevent it from shifting out of place.

Thanks to your shoulder, you can throw a ball, lift boxes, and reach shelves above your head. This joint has a higher range of motion than any other joint in your body. Unfortunately, this mobility also leaves the shoulder joint susceptible to damage.

If you’ve already tried less invasive treatments for shoulder pain — physical therapy, joint injections, etc. — shoulder replacement surgery may provide the relief you need.

Why would I need a shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement is ideal for individuals who continue to experience shoulder pain and a low range of motion despite trying nonsurgical treatments. Some of the most common conditions that cause shoulder pain include:

Rotator cuff damage

The rotator cuff includes several muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Injury to any of these tissues, from a sports injury or degenerative condition, can damage the cartilage around the joint.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes the cartilage around the joint to break down. Cartilage allows your arm a range of motion without pain. As this flexible tissue deteriorates, your shoulder can become stiff and painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis

While osteoarthritis affects the cartilage on the outside of the shoulder joint, rheumatoid arthritis impacts its inner lining. This autoimmune disease causes chronic inflammation that a joint replacement can help treat.

Fractures

A fracture, or bone break, can affect the humerus at the top of the arm bone. Your orthopedic specialist at Coastal Ortho may recommend a shoulder replacement if you continue to experience pain after trying less invasive treatments.

What happens during shoulder replacement surgery?

The most common types of shoulder replacement surgery are arthroscopic, meaning your surgeon performs the procedure through a small incision. 

After administering anesthesia, your surgeon creates a keyhole-sized incision and inserts an arthroscope — a long, flexible tube that contains a camera. This camera allows your doctor to view your internal structures on an outside monitor so that they can perform the procedure conservatively.

Minimally invasive shoulder replacement surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

• Less bleeding
• Reduced risk of infection
• Smaller incisions
• Shorter recovery period
• Minimal swelling and bruising

To learn more about shoulder replacement surgery, call Coastal Ortho or schedule an appointment online today.