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Shoulder replacement

When nonsurgical options like physical therapy and medication fail to improve chronic shoulder pain, you may need shoulder replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore mobility. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your shoulder and replace with them artificial components.

Shoulder replacement surgery in Virginia

Our goal is to make sure you aren't impeded by shoulder discomfort.

At HCA Virginia Health System hospitals, our shoulder replacement program provides you with access to skilled doctors, surgeons and a multispecialty orthopedic care team. We want to get you back to your regular activities as soon as possible, pain free.

Conditions treated by shoulder replacement

When noninvasive treatments like oral anti-inflammatories or steroid injections aren't alleviating your symptoms, surgery may be the next option for you. Shoulder replacement is a viable treatment for conditions such as:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Upper arm fractures

Our shoulder replacement procedures

We offer surgical options designed for pain relief and improved function, and we will work with you to find the best solution to your specific condition.

Candidates for shoulder replacement surgery

The first step in shoulder replacement is a consultation. You should talk to your primary provider and schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists if you:

  • Are unable to move your arms above your head or have limited range of motion
  • Experience shoulder pain or stiffness that interferes with your daily life
  • Have pain that wakes you up from sleeping
  • Have tried nonsurgical treatments, such as medicines, physical therapy and injections, without success

Types of shoulder replacement surgery we offer

Once you and your surgeon have decided that a shoulder replacement is the right step for you, you will undergo some diagnostic testing to determine what type of surgery will work best for you. Everyone is different, and so we provide multiple shoulder replacement procedures, including:

Partial shoulder replacement

During a partial shoulder replacement, only the ball of the joint is replaced. Partial shoulder replacement can be an option when the shoulder socket is still in good condition.

Total shoulder replacement

During a total shoulder replacement, both the ball of the arm bone and shoulder blade socket are replaced. The procedure involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone and implanting the prosthetic parts.

Reverse shoulder replacement:

During a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are placed in opposite (reverse) positions. This is performed when rotator cuff tendons are damaged or certain fractures make a total shoulder replacement impossible.

Shoulder replacement revision:

In a revision surgery, our surgeons perform a follow-up operation after a previous shoulder replacement surgery in order to treat either a complication or unresolved pain. This form of surgery is not often needed, but our surgeons' priority is your health and comfort. If for any reason you don't find relief from a previous surgery, we will work to find a better solution.

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