Shoulder Joint Replacement

Your shoulder is one of your most flexible joints and is therefore prone to injury. Shoulder pain may be caused by injured or overused muscles, tendons and ligaments, by medical conditions, such as arthritis, and through injuries, such as fractures or rotator cuff tears.

If you experience the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for a shoulder joint replacement:

• Severe pain, even while performing daily activities
• Feeling weak or unable to lift light objects
• Decrease or loss of range of motion
• Continuous pain while sleeping on the shoulder at night

At Texas Orthopedic Hospital, our patients have access to fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who are highly skilled at performing all types of shoulder repair and replacement surgeries. Most of these surgeons are members of the Fondren Orthopedic Group, the largest and most comprehensive association of private orthopedic surgeons in the Houston area and one of the largest orthopedic groups in the nation.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The surgeons at Texas Orthopedic Hospital help patients regain shoulder mobility through either standard shoulder replacement surgery or reverse shoulder replacement. Both procedures typically decrease pain, improve range of mobility and increase shoulder function and strength.

Standard Shoulder Replacement

Standard shoulder replacement (also known as an anatomic shoulder arthroplasty) involves replacing the ball of the shoulder with a prosthetic (artificial) ball, and the socket with a prosthetic socket. These implants are made from metal and plastic and together create a new, functional joint. The surgery is performed to treat shoulder injuries and conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis and rotator cuff injury that results in shoulder joint arthritis.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

A reverse shoulder replacement switches the ball and socket; replacing the ball with a prosthetic socket, and the socket with a prosthetic ball. Reverse shoulder replacement is an option for patients for whom the conventional method is not an option. It is generally a better option for patients with rotator cuff tears or a previous standard shoulder replacement that was unsuccessful.

Following shoulder replacement surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital one night. Physical therapy often starts while the patient is still in the hospital. Physical therapists in our Rehabilitation Department initially work with patients to help them begin to perform daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and sling care. For the next three to six months, patients work with a physical therapist to perform stretching and strengthening exercises. It may take a year or more for patients to maximize overhead motion.

Shoulder Surgery Specialists

A specialty orthopedics hospital, Texas Orthopedic Hospital has a long history of being recognized for our high level of care and total joint replacement services, including shoulder joint replacement. We have been named one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Joint Replacement™ by Healthgrades. In addition, we have received Healthgrades' Joint Replacement Excellence Award™ and have been named among the Top 10% in the Nation for Joint Replacement.