Shoulder Replacement services offered in Oklahoma City, OK

More than 50,000 people per year have shoulder replacement surgery in America.

At Prairie Garden Medical in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, skilled surgeons Joel Tupper, MD, provides the highest standard of orthopedic surgery expertise for shoulder replacement surgery.

This surgery can be a real game-changer for people with chronic shoulder pain, so don’t hesitate to learn more by calling the office or clicking the online booking link now.

Shoulder Replacement Q&A

What is a shoulder replacement?

A shoulder replacement is surgery that removes damaged parts of your shoulder joint and replaces them using prosthetic (artificial) components. This surgery may replace any or all parts of the shoulder joint, including:

Humerus: Top of the upper arm bone (the ball part of the joint)
Scapula: Shoulder blade
Clavicle: Collarbone
Glenoid: Shoulder socket
Shoulder replacement surgery, though not as common as hip and knee replacement, is an equally effective way to ease chronic pain.

When might I need a shoulder replacement?

You might need a shoulder replacement if you have ongoing shoulder pain that disrupts your normal shoulder function. The first treatment approach for chronic shoulder pain is conservative care, which may include physical therapy, injections, and more conservative surgical procedures like shoulder arthroscopy.

However, if other measures don’t relieve your pain and you’re still having difficulty moving your shoulder normally, you might need a shoulder replacement. Some common reasons for this include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Severe shoulder fractures

In addition, some people who need shoulder replacement surgery had one previously. If the shoulder implants loosen or move, revision surgery is sometimes the best solution. Fortunately, it’s rare to experience this type of complication with a shoulder replacement.

What is the shoulder replacement surgery process?

The shoulder replacement process varies based on what part of your joint needs restoration. It typically requires general anesthesia, so you sleep through the procedure. The different types of shoulder replacement include:

Total shoulder replacement 

A total shoulder replacement replaces all of the surfaces of your shoulder joint, including the glenoid.

Stemmed hemiarthroplasty

A stemmed hemiarthroplasty replaces the ball of the humerus using a stemmed implant.

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty

A resurfacing hemiarthroplasty replaces the ball of the humerus with a caplike fitting with no stem.

Reverse shoulder replacement 

A reverse shoulder replacement switches the positions of the socket and implant ball. It essentially bypasses the rotator cuff, using the deltoid muscle to lift the arm instead.

After your shoulder replacement, you wear a sling for 2-6 weeks. Physical therapy helps you to build up strength and flexibility in your shoulder, ensuring a return to excellent shoulder function.

Shoulder replacement can help you return to normal activities faster than you think. To learn more, call Prairie Garden Medical or click on the online scheduler now.