Total Shoulder Replacement

What is total shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder replacement is an orthopedic surgery to replace your shoulder joint with artificial components and restore the joint’s structure and function. If you have shoulder pain because of an injury or arthritis, total shoulder replacement surgery can relieve the discomfort and improve your quality of life.

Is total shoulder replacement right for me?

You might be a candidate for partial or total shoulder replacement if you experience:

• Ongoing or severe shoulder pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other inflammatory conditions
• Fractures
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Failed previous rotator cuff surgery

To find out for sure, your Twin Palm Orthopedic specialist discusses your medical history and symptoms. They evaluate your shoulder joint and may recommend blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures.

How should I prepare for my surgery?

To get ready for total shoulder replacement, follow your surgeon’s instructions. They might ask you to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements and avoid foods and drinks the morning of the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward.

What happens during total shoulder replacement?

Right before surgery, the Twin Palm Orthopedics operative team gives you anesthesia to eliminate pain and help you relax or fall asleep. Then, they make an incision in the front of your shoulder, remove damaged tissues, and insert artificial parts of a new shoulder joint before closing the incision. Then you are brought to a recovery area. Your surgery might last about 1 hour or less. You are often placed in a sling.  

What should I expect after the procedure?

After total shoulder replacement surgery, you rest in a recovery area until it’s time to head home. You can usually go home the same day as the procedure. 

Keep your arm in a sling or immobilizer during the healing process, take medications as instructed, ice the treatment area, and attend physical therapy sessions as directed by the Twin Palm Orthopedics team.  

Avoid driving, lifting your arm, and engaging in intense physical activity until your provider says it’s okay. Over time as your shoulder heals, you can expect less pain and improved strength and range of motion. The goal is for you to return to all desirable activities and sports.  

To find out if you’re a candidate for total shoulder replacement, call the Twin Palm Orthopedics office or schedule an appointment online today.