Total Shoulder Replacement Specialist

Orthopedic Associates PA

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Farmington, NM

A total shoulder replacement can restore functioning and reduce shoulder pain due to a severe injury or arthritis. Orthopedic surgeon Tyson Christensen, MD, and the team at Orthopedic Associates PA performs total shoulder replacements in Farmington, New Mexico. If you have persistent shoulder pain, call the office or book an appointment online today to learn more about total shoulder replacement surgery.

Total Shoulder Replacement Q&A

What is a total shoulder replacement?

Total shoulder replacement surgery involves removing damaged tissue from your shoulder and replacing it with artificial components. The goal of total shoulder replacement is to reduce pain and restore normal movement.

Your shoulder is a complex joint that provides a greater range of motion than any other in your body. The ball-and-socket joint forms where the round head of your upper arm bone (humerus) fits into a cup-shaped groove in your shoulder blade (scapula).

What are the types of shoulder replacement?

The team at Orthopedic Associates PA performs various types of shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Total shoulder replacement

A total shoulder replacement involves replacing the head of the humerus and the socket of your scapula.

Partial shoulder replacement

A partial shoulder replacement only replaces the humerus bone.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

A reverse total shoulder replacement involves removing the ball and the socket parts of the joint. Then, your surgeon places the artificial joint in the reverse positions so that the ball attaches to the scapula and the cup is on the humerus.

This approach to shoulder replacement is helpful for patients who have arthritis due to a large rotator cuff tear.

Revision shoulder replacement

Revision surgery is an especially complex procedure that involves replacing an existing shoulder replacement that failed.

What does a total shoulder replacement treat?

The team at Orthopedic Associates PA uses shoulder replacement surgery to treat many conditions that cause shoulder pain and disability, such as:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis
Severe fractures
Failed shoulder replacements

They only recommend shoulder replacement surgery when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, fail to provide adequate relief.

How do I know if total shoulder replacement is right for me?

First, your Orthopedic Associates PA provider reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam. They may take tests, such as an in-office X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to evaluate the structures of your shoulder and determine the best surgical approach.

Then, they develop an individualized treatment plan and explain the risks and benefits of shoulder replacement surgery. They also help you prepare for what to expect from recovery, including physical therapy.

If you’re considering a total shoulder replacement, call Orthopedic Associates PA, or schedule an appointment online today.