Slocum Orthopedics provides shoulder replacement care for patients across Eugene, Springfield, and the southern Willamette Valley. As the region’s largest provider of orthopedic care, our team supports individuals seeking to restore mobility and reduce shoulder pain.
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body, allowing for a wide range of motion. However, conditions like shoulder arthritis can wear away the protective cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder pain, difficulty with everyday activities, or trouble sleeping, it might be time to consider shoulder replacement.
Shoulder replacement surgery, technically called “shoulder arthroplasty,” is designed to resurface the damaged parts of your shoulder joint with artificial components.
Common Types of Shoulder Replacement
The two most common types of shoulder replacements are a total shoulder and a reverse total shoulder.
Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery is done for advanced shoulder arthritis and involves replacing the ball (upper arm bone) with a metal component and the socket (part of the shoulder blade) with a plastic component.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
This surgery is done either in the setting of a large rotator cuff tear that cannot be repaired, or in certain cases of severe arthritis. This surgery converts ball (upper arm bone) of the shoulder to a socket, and then converts the socket (part of the shoulder blade) to a metal ball.
Shoulder Replacement Procedure
Shoulder replacement surgery typically involves
1. Replacing the ball (top of the upper arm bone) with a metal component
2. Resurfacing the socket (part of the shoulder blade) with a plastic component (for total shoulder replacements only)
There are different types of shoulder replacements, including total shoulder replacement, partial replacement, and reverse total shoulder replacement. Your surgeon will determine the best option based on your specific condition.
The surgery typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
Medical Management of Shoulder Arthritis
Before considering surgery, there are several non-surgical approaches that can help manage shoulder arthritis and potentially slow its progression. While they won’t cure arthritis or reverse joint damage, these strategies can be very effective in managing symptoms and may help delay the need for surgery.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever. Avoid it if you consume alcohol regularly, have liver disease, or are allergic to it. Many medications (e.g., cold remedies) contain acetaminophen, increasing the risk of overdose and severe liver damage. Never exceed 3,000 mg per day (six 500 mg capsules). Consult your doctor if unsure about its safety.
Dietary supplements
Dietary supplements like glucosamine, Omega-3s, and Arnica root are popular for arthritis but lack strong scientific evidence and FDA approval. While anecdotal benefits are reported, these supplements typically have minimal side effects and may be reasonable for some patients.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce arthritis-related pain and inflammation. Available over-thecounter or by prescription, NSAIDs vary in effectiveness between individuals. Those with liver, kidney, or cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders, asthma, or other conditions should consult their doctor before use. Regular NSAID users should have kidney and liver function tests every six months.
Narcotics
Narcotics are potent prescription pain relievers for acute or cancer-related pain but are unsuitable for long-term osteoarthritis management due to tolerance and side effects. If surgery is planned, detailed narcotic safety information will be provided.
Activity Modifications
High-impact activities can accelerate shoulder joint wear and increase pain. Avoid activities involving heavy lifting, repetitive overhead motions, or high-impact sports like tennis, basketball, or rock climbing. Instead, focus on exercises such as swimming, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and controlled resistance training. These activities help maintain cardiovascular health and support overall fitness without excessive joint stress.
Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You?
When pain from arthritis causes severe limitations to your life and conservative treatments no longer help, it may be time to consider shoulder replacement surgery. However, it’s a major decision that requires careful consideration. You might be a candidate for shoulder replacement if you experience:
• Severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities
• Moderate to severe pain while resting, especially pain that prevents sleep
• Loss of motion or weakness in the shoulder
• Failure to improve with other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy
If you’re considering shoulder replacement surgery, the next step is to consult with a Slocum orthopedic specialist. Our team will provide a thorough evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Surgery
How much pain will I have after surgery?
The amount of pain after surgery varies. Perception of pain is a very individual experience. Your physician and nursing staff will work with you to adjust your medications to minimize your pain. You will experience pain, especially in the first two weeks. Other interventions such as intermittent use of ice, proper positioning with your shoulder immobilizer, gentle arm and hand exercises as directed, deep breathing relaxation and meditation can help minimize your pain. The nerve block and pain pump provided during surgery will help control your initial post-operative pain, typically lasting 2-3 days.
What does recovery look like after shoulder replacement surgery?
After surgery, your journey to recovery begins. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll wear a shoulder immobilizer to protect your new joint
- Physical therapy will start soon after surgery to help regain strength and mobility
- Most patients can return to light activities within 2-6 weeks
- Full recovery can take up to a year
Pain management is a crucial part of your recovery. Your care team will work with you to ensure you’re comfortable while you heal.
What is the long term outlook of shoulder replacement surgery?
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function after shoulder replacement surgery. While you’ll need to avoid certain high-impact activities, many people return to activities they love, free from the pain that once held them back.
When will I be able to take a bath/shower after surgery?
You may shower once your pain pump is removed (around day 3), unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon. It is strongly recommended to avoid immersion of your shoulder in water, either in a bathtub or hot tub for at least 6 weeks following surgery. Even after the incision initially appears healed, the skin is still fragile and infection can occur
When will I be able to drive after surgery?
Driving requires careful consideration after shoulder surgery. You cannot drive while taking narcotic pain medication and must use an automatic transmission vehicle. Most patients need 3-4 weeks before feeling confident enough to drive safely.
Before returning to driving, you must have your surgeon’s clearance and feel confident in your ability to control the vehicle and react quickly if needed. Start with short trips during daylight hours and good weather conditions. If you experience pain or uncertainty while driving, wait longer before trying again.
When can I remove my shoulder immobilizer?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about when you can remove your shoulder immobilizer. Most patients must wear it during the day for 4-6 weeks after surgery, unless instructed otherwise. Initially, you should also wear the immobilizer while sleeping. You may briefly remove the immobilizer for prescribed exercises and personal hygiene, but be careful to follow your surgeon’s and physical therapist’s specific instructions about safe movement during these times.
Why Eugene Patients Trust Slocum for Shoulder Replacement
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced joint care supported by on-site physical therapy, imaging, and a dedicated surgery center.
