Our Services / Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement services offered in Columbus, GA

Up to 50 million Americans undergo shoulder replacement surgery each year. The procedure treats common problems like shoulder instability and rotator cuff damage, relieving pain and restoring your shoulder’s range of motion. At St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Georgia, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Jake Dunn, DO, uses shoulder replacement to manage complex shoulder problems. The procedure is quick, effective, and can improve your quality of life. Call the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute office today to make an appointment or book your visit online.

Shoulder Replacement Q & A

Is shoulder replacement the best treatment for chronic shoulder pain?

It depends. Most cases of chronic shoulder pain improve with non- and minimally invasive treatments, like platelet-rich plasma injections and physical therapy. But if your shoulder pain continues for months and makes routine activities like brushing your teeth or bathing difficult, you could be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery.

Who should consider shoulder replacement surgery?

Consider shoulder replacement if you:

Suffer severe pain that causes you to struggle with everyday activities
Experience shoulder weakness
Don’t get relief from platelet-rich plasma injections or physical therapy
Lose range of motion in your shoulder
Can’t get a good night’s sleep because of shoulder pain

Sometimes, Dr. Dunn recommends shoulder replacement to people who’ve undergone procedures like rotator cuff tear repair that didn’t provide long-term symptom relief.

What kinds of shoulder replacement surgery are there?

Dr. Dunn provides several types of shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Hemiarthroplasty

During this procedure, Dr. Dunn replaces the ball and stem of your shoulder joint with prosthetic pieces. The prosthetics fit inside your natural shoulder joint, restoring your range of motion.

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty

This procedure replaces the head of your shoulder joint but not the stem. It uses a cap-like prosthetic that fits comfortably inside your natural shoulder joint.

Anatomic total shoulder replacement

Dr. Dunn uses this type of shoulder replacement for severe shoulder arthritis. It replaces your natural joint with several pieces, including a metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic cup on the glenoid socket.

Stemless total shoulder arthroplasty

This type of shoulder replacement seeks to preserve healthy bone. Dr. Dunn attaches a metallic ball to your upper arm bone without a stem.

Reverse total shoulder replacement

This procedure reverses the position of your shoulder joint, moving the socket to the top of the upper arm bone and the ball to the shoulder blade. You might benefit from this surgery if you have shoulder arthritis or a severe rotator cuff tear.

What is recovery like after shoulder replacement surgery?

After shoulder replacement surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for at least a night. You’ll wear a sling during the first 24 hours to immobilize the joint. It’s normal to experience shoulder pain, swelling, and stiffness. Take your medication as prescribed and follow Dr. Dunn’s instructions.

Shortly after you leave the hospital, you’ll begin physical therapy. Physical therapy uses stretches, strengthening exercises, and manual therapies to promote healing and restore your shoulder’s full range of motion.

Call the St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute office today to schedule a shoulder replacement appointment or book your visit online.