Shoulder replacement

When you need shoulder replacement surgery, look to the experts at Aurora BayCare Medical Center. We use the most advanced surgical techniques to relieve pain and restore shoulder function.

Shoulder replacement surgery: Why choose Aurora BayCare Medical Center?

Joint replacement surgery is complex and requires expertise in anatomy to ensure that you recover successfully, with less pain and increased mobility. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons have additional training in surgical techniques, leading to fewer complications. Program highlights include:

• Demonstrated expertise: We do 25 times more shoulder replacement surgeries than the national average. This surgery volume means we’re highly experienced in these procedures.
• Recognized leadership: Our specialists continuously study advanced surgical options, so you’ll always get the latest treatment and state-of-the-art care.
• Pain management techniques: We think about pain control as we’re planning surgery. We use sophisticated medications to reduce nerve pain and decrease the need for narcotics after surgery.
• Prompt discharge: Our team’s experience in complex surgeries means we often see fewer complications, so you can leave the hospital in less time.

Shoulder replacement surgeries

When nonoperative orthopedics options don’t heal injuries or reduce pain, our orthopedic specialists might recommend shoulder replacement. We offer:

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty

If the socket of your shoulder joint is healthy, surgeons may replace only the ball portion of the joint. We may recommend partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty) if you have healthy cartilage in the shoulder socket but damage to the humerus head (ball).

Total shoulder replacement

Doctors might recommend total shoulder replacement to relieve pain and restore mobility in people with arthritis who have some range of shoulder motion. Surgeons start by removing damaged bone and tissue from the shoulder joint. In total shoulder replacement, they replace the end of the humerus and shoulder blade with an artificial (prosthetic) ball and socket joint.

Doctors might recommend total shoulder replacement if you have arthritis-related cartilage damage, but your rotator cuff muscles and tendons are still healthy.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

Experts recommend reverse total shoulder replacement for people with certain complex shoulder injuries and conditions. For example, if you have a rotator cuff tear with shoulder instability and arthritis, you might have this surgery.

In reverse total shoulder replacement, doctors reverse the ball and socket. They attach the artificial metal ball to the shoulder bone and a plastic socket to the upper arm bone.

Normally, the muscles and tendons in your rotator cuff help you lift your arm overhead. With the artificial joint reversed, you’ll use your deltoid muscle to lift your arm, protecting your rotator cuff.

Is shoulder replacement surgery right for you?

Our orthopedics experts may recommend shoulder replacement surgery when pain:

• Causes weakness or prevents you from moving your shoulder
• Doesn’t respond to orthopedic rehabilitation treatment or medication
• Interferes with your ability to sleep
• Prevents you from participating in daily activities

What to expect after shoulder replacement surgery

Recovering from shoulder surgery and returning to normal activities can take time. Physical therapy is part of your care plan. If you’re an athlete, our sports medicine specialists design programs to help you heal and improve your performance.