Total Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder Joint Replacement in West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Severe shoulder arthritis can cause persistent pain, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities. When conservative treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, total shoulder replacement may be considered to replace damaged portions of the shoulder joint and improve comfort and function. Dr. Brian Hill, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, provides specialized shoulder replacement care in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and throughout Palm Beach County, FL.
Dr. Hill takes an individualized approach to shoulder replacement, evaluating your symptoms, physical examination, imaging, joint condition, activity level, and treatment goals. He can help determine whether total shoulder replacement is appropriate and discuss the available surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
What is Shoulder Joint Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement surgery is performed to relieve symptoms of severe shoulder pain and disability due to arthritis. In this surgery, the damaged articulating parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial prostheses. Replacement of both the humeral head and the socket is called a total shoulder replacement.
What is Shoulder Anatomy?
The shoulder is a highly movable body joint that allows various movements of the arm. It is a ball and socket joint, where the head of the humerus (upper arm bone) articulates with the socket of the scapula (shoulder blade), which is called the glenoid. The two articulating surfaces of the bones are covered with cartilage, which prevents friction between the moving bones. The cartilage is lubricated by synovial fluid. Tendons and ligaments around the shoulder joint provide strength and stability to the joint.
What is Arthritis?
When the cartilage is damaged, the two bones rub against each other causing pain, swelling and stiffness of the joint. This condition is called arthritis. There are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear brought about by old age) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disease) are two forms of arthritis.
What are the Indications for Shoulder Joint Replacement?
Total shoulder joint replacement is a surgery indicated for conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when medication, injections, physical therapy, and activity changes do not help relieve pain. Your doctor recommends surgery when you have the following symptoms:
- Severe shoulder pain that restricts daily activities
- Moderate to severe pain during rest
- Weakness and/or loss of motion
What Does Preparation for Shoulder Joint Replacement Involve?
To decide whether total shoulder replacement is a good option for you, your doctor will evaluate your condition thoroughly.
Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination of your shoulder to assess the extent of mobility and pain. Imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may also be performed.
What is the Procedure for Shoulder Joint Replacement?
The surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia. An incision is made over the affected shoulder and the underlying muscles are separated to expose the shoulder joint. The surgery may be performed as an open surgery, where a large incision is made, or minimally invasive, where small incisions are made to insert specialized surgical tools.
The upper arm bone (humerus) is separated from the glenoid socket of the shoulder bone. The arthritic or damaged humeral head is cut and the humerus bone is hollowed out and filled with cement. A metal ball with a stem is gently press-fit into the humerus.
Next, the arthritic part of the socket is prepared. The plastic glenoid component is fixed in the shoulder bone.
After the artificial components are implanted, the joint capsule is stitched, and the wound is closed.
What Does Postoperative Care for Shoulder Joint Replacement Involve?
After the surgery, medications and antibiotics are prescribed to control pain and prevent infection. Your arm may be secured in a sling or cast. The rehabilitation program includes physical therapy, which is started soon after the surgery and is very important to strengthen and provide mobility to the shoulder. You may be able to perform gentle daily activities two to six weeks after surgery.
What are the Risks and Complications of Shoulder Joint Replacement?
As with any major surgery, there may be potential risks involved:
- Anesthetic complications such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting
- Infection of the wound
- Dislocation, requiring repeat surgery
- Damage to blood vessels, nerves or muscles
- Failure to relieve pain
- Pulmonary embolism
- Wear and tear of the prosthesis
Why Choose Dr. Hill for Shoulder Joint Replacement in West Palm Beach, Jupiter & Palm Beach Gardens, FL?
Choosing an experienced shoulder specialist is an important consideration when you are evaluating total shoulder replacement. Dr. Brian Hill is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with specialized expertise in shoulder and elbow surgery. His practice focuses on diagnosing and treating a broad range of shoulder conditions, including arthritis and other problems that may lead to significant pain and loss of function.
Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
His advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery provides focused expertise in modern shoulder reconstruction and replacement techniques.
Individualized Treatment Planning
Dr. Hill evaluates your symptoms, imaging, shoulder function, anatomy, lifestyle, and treatment goals when developing a personalized care plan.
Advanced Surgical Options
Depending on your diagnosis and anatomy, Dr. Hill can discuss appropriate shoulder replacement options, including anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement when indicated.
Robotic Shoulder Replacement Expertise
For appropriate patients, Dr. Hill offers Mako SmartRobotics™ for reverse shoulder replacement, combining 3D surgical planning with robotic-assisted technology.
Comprehensive Care
From your initial consultation and surgical planning through postoperative rehabilitation, Dr. Hill and his team provide care focused on helping you recover function and return to appropriate daily activities.
Shoulder Joint Replacement FAQs
What conditions may require total shoulder replacement? +
Total shoulder replacement may be recommended for patients with severe shoulder arthritis or other conditions that cause persistent pain and functional limitations. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the conditions that may damage the cartilage and joint surfaces. Surgery may be considered when nonsurgical treatments such as medications, injections, physical therapy, and activity modification no longer provide adequate relief.
What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement? +
A traditional total shoulder replacement, also called an anatomic shoulder replacement, generally replaces the damaged ball and socket while maintaining the shoulder's natural anatomy. A reverse shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket and may be appropriate for certain patients with significant rotator cuff damage or other complex shoulder conditions. Dr. Hill can determine which type of replacement best fits your individual condition.
How do I know if I am a candidate for total shoulder replacement? +
Your candidacy depends on several factors, including the severity and cause of your shoulder pain, joint damage, range of motion, strength, imaging findings, overall health, and response to nonsurgical treatment. Dr. Hill can perform a comprehensive evaluation and discuss whether shoulder replacement is appropriate for you.
What happens during total shoulder replacement surgery? +
During total shoulder replacement, the damaged portions of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The damaged humeral head is replaced with a prosthetic component, while the damaged glenoid surface may be replaced with a prosthetic socket component. The surgical approach and implant selection depend on your individual anatomy and condition.
How long does recovery take after total shoulder replacement? +
Recovery varies depending on the patient's health, the condition of the shoulder, the procedure performed, and progress with rehabilitation. A sling may be used during the initial recovery period, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Physical therapy helps gradually restore shoulder mobility and strength. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding activity progression and return to daily activities.
What are the risks of total shoulder replacement? +
As with any major surgery, total shoulder replacement carries potential risks. These can include infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, instability or dislocation, implant wear or loosening, persistent pain, and complications related to anesthesia. Dr. Hill will discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgery during your consultation.
Schedule a Shoulder Joint Replacement Consultation in Palm Beach County, FL
Persistent shoulder pain does not have to continue limiting your daily activities. If shoulder arthritis or joint damage is affecting your movement, sleep, work, exercise, or quality of life, a consultation with a specialized shoulder surgeon can help you understand your options.
Dr. Brian Hill provides specialized total shoulder replacement evaluation and treatment for patients in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, and throughout Palm Beach County, FL. Contact Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute to schedule a consultation and learn whether total shoulder replacement may be an appropriate treatment for your shoulder condition.
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