What is Total Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement, also called total shoulder arthroplasty, replaces the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial parts.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. In this surgery, the worn ball at the top of the arm bone is replaced with a smooth metal ball, and the socket is resurfaced with a smooth plastic piece.
It is most often done for advanced osteoarthritis, the gradual wearing of cartilage, when the rotator cuff tendons are still working well. This standard replacement relies on those tendons to move and stabilize the new joint.
Replacement is considered after non-surgical care no longer keeps the shoulder comfortable enough for daily life. It is a planned choice, not an emergency. The sections below cover what is tried first and what the surgery involves.
What happens during Total Shoulder Replacement, step by step?
During total shoulder replacement, Dr. Wodicka makes an incision at the front of the shoulder to reach the joint.
The worn ball at the top of the arm bone is removed and replaced with a smooth metal ball on a stem that fits into the bone. The socket is resurfaced with a smooth plastic piece that is secured in place. Together these create a new, smooth joint. This standard replacement depends on healthy rotator cuff tendons to move and steady the shoulder, which is why the cuff is checked before surgery. When the rotator cuff is badly torn, a different design called reverse shoulder replacement may fit better. Most people stay in the hospital briefly after surgery.
What is recovery like after Total Shoulder Replacement?
Recovery from total shoulder replacement happens in stages over months.
Most people wear a sling early on and begin gentle guided motion soon after surgery to protect the new joint while it settles.
Physical therapy progresses from protected motion, to active movement, to strengthening. Many people return to light daily activities within several weeks, while fuller motion and strength commonly develop over about four to six months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises. Your timeline depends on your health before surgery, your rehabilitation, and the demands of your daily life. Your surgical team will map it with you.
Who performs total shoulder replacement in Fort Lauderdale?
Ross Wodicka is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who performs total shoulder replacement in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Fellowship trained at Southern California Orthopedic Institute (Sports Medicine). Dr. Wodicka sees patients at the practice in Fort Lauderdale; appointments can be requested through this site.
What do patients ask most often?
When is total shoulder replacement the right choice?
It becomes a reasonable option when advanced arthritis causes pain and stiffness that limit sleep, work, or daily tasks despite months of non-surgical care, and the rotator cuff is still intact. It is a planned decision, not an emergency. Dr. Wodicka reviews the timing, the options, and recovery before any step.
What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?
Total shoulder replacement keeps the natural ball-and-socket arrangement and relies on healthy rotator cuff tendons. Reverse replacement switches the positions of the ball and socket and is used when the rotator cuff is badly torn. Which one fits depends on the condition of your tendons, confirmed before surgery.
How long does recovery take after shoulder replacement?
Recovery unfolds over months. Many people return to light daily activities within several weeks, while fuller motion and strength commonly develop over about four to six months, according to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These are ranges, not promises, and depend on your health and rehabilitation.
How long do shoulder replacements last?
Modern shoulder replacements commonly last many years, though how long any implant lasts varies with activity, the type of implant, and individual factors. Regular follow-up lets your surgical team monitor the joint over time. Dr. Wodicka can discuss what is known for your situation.
How do payments work?
Contact the office to confirm insurance participation.
This page is for general education and does not replace an evaluation by a physician. Individual treatment plans vary, and this content should not be used to self-diagnose.