SHOULDER REPLACEMENT
Shoulder Replacement
Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery can relieve pain, restore motion, improve sleep, and return patients to meaningful daily activity when arthritis, rotator cuff deficiency, fracture, or failed prior surgery has severely damaged the shoulder.
For Arthritis With Good Cuff Function
For Cuff Deficiency & Complex Problems
Procedure-Specific Protocols
Restore Comfort & Use
Choose The Right Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic total shoulder replacement is usually recommended for advanced arthritis when the rotator cuff remains intact and functional.
Learn More →Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is often recommended for arthritis with rotator cuff deficiency, complex fractures, failed prior surgery, or revision reconstruction.
Learn More →Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
The most important decision in shoulder replacement is not simply whether to replace the joint. It is choosing the correct operation for the patient’s anatomy, rotator cuff function, bone quality, activity goals, and long-term function.
A well-selected shoulder replacement should relieve pain, restore confidence, and provide durable shoulder function for many years.
Common Reasons For Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder Arthritis
Cartilage loss causing pain, stiffness, grinding, and progressive loss of motion.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
Arthritis caused by severe rotator cuff deficiency and abnormal shoulder mechanics.
Complex Fractures
Severe proximal humerus fractures may require reverse shoulder replacement in selected patients.
Failed Shoulder Replacement
Persistent pain, loosening, instability, infection, or implant failure after prior replacement.
Failed Rotator Cuff Repair
Complex cuff deficiency after prior repair may sometimes require reverse reconstruction.
Revision Shoulder Surgery
Advanced reconstruction for failed prior shoulder surgery or complex shoulder problems.
Recovery After Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Recovery
Anatomic total shoulder replacement requires subscapularis protection, a 1-pound lifting restriction for 12 weeks, and strengthening beginning around 3 months.
Reverse Shoulder Recovery
Reverse shoulder replacement recovery is often faster, with sling use typically optional after the nerve block wears off and a 5-pound restriction for 6 weeks.
Important Shoulder Replacement Questions
Do I Need Shoulder Replacement?
Understand when pain, stiffness, and loss of function may justify surgery.
Reverse vs Total Shoulder Replacement
Learn how rotator cuff function helps determine the correct operation.
Shoulder Replacement Without A Sling
Understand how sling use differs after total and reverse shoulder replacement.
How Long Does Shoulder Replacement Last?
Learn what affects long-term durability after anatomic shoulder replacement.
How Long Does Reverse Last?
Understand modern reverse shoulder replacement longevity and durability.
Shoulder Replacement Complications
Clear education on risks, warning signs, and when evaluation is needed.
Problems After Shoulder Replacement
Pain After Shoulder Replacement
Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated to determine the cause.
Infection After Shoulder Replacement
Infection is uncommon but important, and symptoms may sometimes be subtle.
Reverse Replacement Complications
Instability, fracture, infection, loosening, and other reverse-specific concerns.
Considering Shoulder Replacement?
A focused shoulder evaluation can determine whether your pain is from arthritis, rotator cuff deficiency, fracture, or failed prior surgery — and which shoulder replacement option is most likely to restore durable function.
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