Shoulder
While the shoulder is the most flexible joint in the body, it is also the most fragile. If chronic shoulder pain is making it difficult for you to function, you may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery.
Whether your shoulder pain is the result of aging, arthritis, overuse, or a sudden injury such as a rotator cuff tear, the board-certified orthopedic specialists and physical therapists at Edward-Elmhurst Health can help you feel better in no time.
Innovative treatment options for shoulder issues
Our orthopedic team provides a full range of treatment options, beginning with non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy, medications or injections. If chronic shoulder pain is making it difficult for you to function, surgery may be the right option for you.
The Orthopedic Center’s expert surgeons perform the latest procedures to address shoulder issues and help you return to everyday activities again, including:
- Partial or total shoulder replacement
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Shoulder resurfacing, shoulder reconstruction
- Fracture repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder arthroscopic acromioplasty
Who are candidates for a shoulder replacement?
Most people who get a shoulder replacement have significant shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities, and other treatments haven’t helped. The pain may be caused by arthritis, rotator cuff tears, fractures, osteonecrosis, or some other condition or injury.
What is involved in a shoulder replacement procedure?
Before the procedure, you’ll meet with your orthopedic surgeon so you know exactly what to expect from the surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon will remove the damaged part of the shoulder and replace it with a new joint, a prosthesis. Your surgeon can replace both the ball and socket joint, or just the ball joint (the upper part of the arm bone), depending on your needs.
What is the recovery like for a shoulder replacement?
After a shoulder replacement, most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights, but some go home the same day depending on the procedure. You will likely wear a sling to protect your shoulder for up to six weeks, and you will have lifting restrictions for up to three months.
Once you return home, you will appreciate our comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program. Exercise will be important in the first weeks after surgery, and our orthopedic team will work closely with you to provide a home exercise program to help you regain strength and flexibility.
At two weeks, you will begin with passive motion therapy with a physical or occupational therapist. At six weeks, you will likely switch to active motion therapy. We will also work closely with you help to manage your pain, which should gradually diminish during the course of your recovery.
Many patients find that after they recover from shoulder replacement surgery, they have more strength, better mobility in their shoulder, less pain and can sleep better.
Learn more about orthopedic rehabilitation at Edward-Elmhurst Health.
Why choose us for your shoulder replacement procedure?
Our Orthopedic Centers offer a state-of-the-art environment with a personalized touch, including new, private rooms. We treat predominately orthopedic patients, so you will likely be alongside other patients who have had joint replacement surgery.
You’ll be cared for by specially-trained orthopedic nurses, and physicians who specialize in orthopedic surgery. Many of our physicians are fellowship trained with years of experience in performing innovative, specialized shoulder replacement procedures.
Throughout your care, there will be an open line of communication between you and your surgeon to help you meet your personal goals and get back to everyday life, free from pain.
Orthopedics locations