Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing damaged portions of the shoulder joint and replacing them with durable prosthetic components made of metal and plastic.

The goal of shoulder replacement is to:

• Relieve chronic shoulder pain
• Restore joint movement
• Improve strength and function
• Help patients return to everyday tasks comfortably

Shoulder replacement may be considered when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief and shoulder pain interferes with quality of life.

Your provider may recommend surgery if you experience:

• Persistent pain from arthritis or joint degeneration
• Reduced range of motion
• Weakness or instability in the shoulder
• Night pain that disrupts sleep
• Difficulty with routine activities such as dressing, bathing, or reaching overhead

After a full evaluation and imaging, your specialist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals.

Mercer-Bucks Orthopedics offers several shoulder replacement options depending on the severity of joint damage and the health of surrounding tissues.

Common procedures include:

• Total Shoulder Replacement: The damaged ball-and-socket joint is fully replaced with a prosthetic implant to restore smooth movement and reduce pain.
• Partial Shoulder Replacement: When only part of the joint is affected, the surgeon may replace only the damaged portion—most often the ball of the upper arm bone.
• Reverse Shoulder Replacement: In this procedure, the ball and socket positions are reversed. This option is often recommended for patients with severe arthritis combined with a torn or weakened rotator cuff.

Your surgeon will help determine which approach is best for your anatomy and lifestyle.

In many cases, yes. Mercer-Bucks Orthopedics performs shoulder replacement surgery in partnership with Mercer County Surgery Center, recognized as the #1 surgical center in New Jersey in 2022.

For appropriate candidates, outpatient shoulder replacement allows you to return home the same day with several benefits, including:

• Lower risk of infection
• A more streamlined, patient-focused experience
• Fewer delays compared to hospital-based surgery
• Reduced overall cost
• Recovery in the comfort of your own home

A friend or family member will be needed to drive you home once anesthesia has worn off.