Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

We perform approximately 400 total joint replacements each year. Shoulder replacement is a safe and effective procedure that relieves joint pain, increases range of motion and strength, and helps those suffering with chronic shoulder pain get back to the activities they love. 

Diagnosis & Causes 

Our specialists may recommend joint replacement if non-invasive treatments have failed. Shoulder replacement surgery is frequently recommended for joint damage resulting from the following conditions:

If needed, the following imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the extent of your shoulder condition:

Shoulder Replacement Surgeries

Bassett Healthcare Network’s orthopedic surgeons offer the following shoulder replacement surgery options:

Partial Shoulder Replacement

If only one area of the shoulder, the “ball” (humeral head) is degenerated, your surgeon may recommend partial shoulder replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty. When the ball of the shoulder needs to be completely replaced, usually after a severe fracture that doesn’t affect the “socket” (the glenoid), this is known as stemmed hemiarthroplasty. If just the surface of the ball joint needs to be resurfaced, we may recommend resurfacing hemiarthroplasty. This type of partial shoulder replacement surgery may be a good option if the humeral bone is healthy, no fracture is present, and the socket’s cartilage remains intact. 

Total Shoulder Replacement

Patients with intact rotator cuff tendons and severe arthritis in the joint resulting in bone-on-bone contact, pain, or limited range of motion are likely good candidates for total shoulder replacement. In total shoulder replacement, both the ball and the socket are replaced with a prosthesis.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

A form of total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement surgery (also known as reverse shoulder arthroplasty) may be recommended if the rotator cuff tendons are completely torn, or severe and disabling arthritis is present in the joint. In reverse total shoulder replacement surgery, the ball and socket are replaced and switched. The plastic socket is attached to the arm bone, and the metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone. This is done to increase mobility by allowing the deltoid muscles, instead of the severely damaged rotator cuff tendons, to move the arm. 

Learn more about shoulder joint replacement options.

Schedule an Appointment for a Shoulder Replacement Consultation

If you’re experiencing chronic or disabling shoulder pain, contact the orthopedic team at Bassett Healthcare Network by calling (607) 547-3652. Our specialists will diagnose the cause of your pain, examine the extent of the condition, and review non-operative and operative treatment plans based on your needs and preferences.

Bassett Healthcare Network’s orthopedic surgeons offer a variety of shoulder replacement surgeries throughout Central New York, including Delhi, Oneonta, Herkimer, Cobleskill, and Cooperstown.