SHOULDER REPLACEMENT DECISIONS
Can I Delay
Shoulder Replacement?
Yes—many patients can safely delay shoulder replacement. The decision depends on your symptoms, your goals, and how your arthritis is affecting your daily life. In most cases, shoulder replacement is an elective procedure, allowing you to choose the timing that best fits your life.
Can Safely Wait
Usually Elective
Based On Symptoms
Monitor Progress
The Good News
One of the biggest misconceptions about shoulder arthritis is that surgery must be performed immediately after arthritis is diagnosed. Fortunately, that is rarely the case. Most patients have time to consider their options, try nonsurgical treatments, and choose surgery only when they feel the benefits outweigh the recovery.
Dr. Streit's Treatment Philosophy
I want my patients to feel comfortable with their decision. Shoulder replacement should happen because you believe it's the right next step—not because you feel pressured by an MRI or an X-ray. For many people, waiting is entirely reasonable as long as they understand the potential tradeoffs.
Reasons To Consider Waiting
Your Pain Is Manageable
You can still perform the activities that matter most to you.
You Sleep Well
Night pain is minimal or absent.
Injections Still Help
Conservative treatments continue to provide meaningful relief.
Your Lifestyle Is Not Limited
You remain active and independent.
Personal Timing
You may wish to wait until after travel, retirement, or other important life events.
You Feel Comfortable
There is no benefit to rushing into surgery before you're ready.
Reasons It May Be Time To Move Forward
Pain Every Day
Your shoulder dominates your daily life.
Night Pain
Your sleep is regularly interrupted.
Loss Of Independence
Dressing, reaching, grooming, or lifting become increasingly difficult.
Conservative Care No Longer Helps
Therapy, medications, and injections provide little lasting relief.
You've Given Up Activities
Golf, exercise, travel, and hobbies have become too painful.
Your Goals Have Changed
You want a more dependable shoulder than nonsurgical treatment can provide.
Will Waiting Make My Surgery Harder?
For many patients, waiting several months—or even longer—is perfectly reasonable. However, prolonged stiffness, progressive bone loss, worsening deformity, or deterioration of the rotator cuff may occasionally increase the complexity of surgery. This is one reason I recommend periodic follow-up, even if you decide to postpone surgery.
What I Tell My Patients
"Waiting is often the right decision—until it isn't. My job is to help you recognize when you've reached the point where surgery offers more benefits than continuing to wait."
Related Resources
Not Ready for Surgery Yet?
Choosing to delay shoulder replacement is often appropriate. A consultation can help you understand the likely course of your arthritis, monitor your shoulder over time, and decide when the timing is right for you.
Request Consultation