OSS Logo

Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Pain Treatments

What is Total Shoulder Replacement?

Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgical procedure that removes osteoarthritic bone and replaces it with metal and plastic components. These components mimic the anatomy and function of a healthy shoulder so that you can return to activities without the pain caused by arthritis. Total Shoulder Replacement is very effective at restoring range of motion and improving quality of life. The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis, although most times an overnight hospital stay is necessary.

The Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons at OSS Health have performed thousands of Total Shoulder Replacements and are experts of this procedure.

A Total Shoulder Replacement may be recommended to treat severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment.

How is a Total Shoulder Replacement Performed at OSS Health?

At OSS Health, a Total Shoulder Replacement can be performed either as an outpatient or an inpatient procedure based on what you and your OSS Health surgeon feel is best for you.

During a Total Shoulder Replacement procedure the following steps are performed:

  1. Incision. An incision is made on the front of the shoulder. Modern surgical techniques and new total shoulder components allow surgeons to make much smaller incisions.
  2. Bone removal. Osteoarthritic bone is removed and prepared for implants.
  3. Implants. Metal and plastic implants are perfectly positioned and then cemented in place.

The incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed and the arm is placed into a sling.

Physical Therapy is an important part of recovery as it helps improve stability in the shoulder as well as increase range of motion.