Symptoms and evaluation
Patients may notice deep shoulder pain, stiffness, night pain, grinding or difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back. X-rays are commonly used to evaluate joint-space loss, bone changes and the pattern of arthritis.
Treatment options
Treatment can include activity modification, physical therapy, medication when appropriate and selected injections. When arthritis becomes advanced and symptoms remain limiting despite nonsurgical care, shoulder replacement may be considered. The appropriate procedure depends on the joint, rotator cuff function, anatomy and patient goals.
Recovery and return to activity
Recovery after shoulder replacement progresses through protection, restoration of motion and gradual strengthening. The timeline depends on the procedure and individual healing.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Shoulder replacement is generally considered when arthritis causes substantial pain and functional limitation despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment. Implant choice and surgical strategy depend on the individual shoulder.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.