Shoulder Surgery

Maybe it's learning how to play the guitar, getting your hands messy in the kitchen, or simply playing catch with your grandkids. No matter what it is, if shoulder pain is preventing you from doing the things you love, shoulder surgery might help.

Types of Shoulder Surgery at Virtua

When it comes to shoulder surgery, our goal is to repair, restore, and replace any damaged areas that are causing you pain. Here are the types of shoulder replacement surgeries we perform:

• Total shoulder replacement: During this procedure, we replace the damaged joint ball, or humeral head, of your shoulder with a metal substitute. We also place a durable plastic socket on the shoulder to help restore movement.
• Partial shoulder replacement: Unlike a total shoulder replacement, this procedure just replaces the joint ball in your shoulder.
• Reverse shoulder replacement:  Here, the position of the shoulder joint’s ball and socket is reversed—the ball is positioned on the socket side of the joint and the socket is on the ball side. This procedure can help correct arthritis pain and rotator cuff injuries.
• Arthroscopic shoulder surgery: Using a tiny incision, our surgeons insert an arthroscope to repair rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and more.

Am I a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

You might be considered a good candidate for shoulder replacement surgery if:

• Your shoulder pain is so severe, you're unable to complete routine activities
• You're experiencing significant weakness or loss of motion in the shoulder
• You have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a rotator cuff tear
• You experience pain while resting or it interferes with your sleep
• Nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications have not provided sufficient relief

Shoulder Replacement Surgery at Virtua

Consider this: Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. But that also means it's the most unstable, leading to injuries and arthritis. At Virtua, our orthopedic surgeons have a deep understanding of this complex area, and we can help make shoulder pain a thing of the past.

Here's how we approach shoulder replacement surgeries at Virtua Health:

• Surgery starts with you: If you're unsure about shoulder replacement surgery, we can help. Our team is here to answer every question, listen to your concerns, and develop the best treatment plan that works for your goals and lifestyle. This way, you understand all of your options to make an informed decision.
• Engineered for your shoulder: Because your shoulder is one-of-a-kind, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind joint replacement. This means that we'll use customized components designed to fit your body perfectly.
• Your trusted partner: At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, we're here to be your trusted partner in health. After surgery, our physical therapists will develop an exercise routine that will strengthen your shoulder and restore mobility.

Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Thanks to technological and artificial advancements, more than 90% of shoulder replacements last at least 10 years. Following a shoulder replacement surgery, you can expect:

• Significant pain relief in your shoulder
• Improved quality of life, including increased mobility in your shoulder
• The ability to resume normal activities, like exercising, household tasks, and participating in sports

What to Expect With Shoulder Surgery

A successful shoulder surgery starts with a well-thought-out plan. That's why our surgeons, specialists, nurse navigators, and physical therapists will walk you through every aspect of your surgery. And while every surgery varies, here's what you can expect from your shoulder surgery:

• Here's the game plan: During your surgical consultation, we'll discuss every detail of your surgery. We'll also talk through recovery tips like making sure your incision doesn't get wet or avoiding heavy lifting for a period of time.
• Your surgery: The day before your procedure, we'll get in touch and let you know what time your surgery is. Most shoulder surgeries take about two hours to complete. From there, you'll move to a recovery room to rest.
• Shoulder arthroscopic surgery recovery: Recovery can vary based on the type of arthroscopic surgery you have. In fact, recovery can range from 1 week to several months, it all depends on the amount of repair done.
• Shoulder replacement recovery: Your rehabilitation begins the moment you're out of surgery. Our team will help you with some light exercises and movement as soon as possible for optimal results. After leaving the hospital, you can expect to wear a sling for about two to four weeks. And for most people, it may take up to six months to begin resuming more demanding activities like playing golf or swimming.
• Physical therapy: Following your surgery, our physical therapists will develop a home exercise plan that will continue to build up strength in your shoulder. We may also recommend a period of in-person rehabilitation if necessary.