Our Services / Shoulder Replacement

Most shoulder problems respond to conservative treatments, like physical therapy and rest. Still, if your symptoms persist or worsen, you might qualify for shoulder replacement. At Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics, the board-certified orthopaedic specialists offer a few types of shoulder replacement, including total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement. These procedures don’t usually require hospitalization. To make an appointment in Hamilton, Lawrenceville, and Princeton, New Jersey, or Langhorne, Pennsylvania, call the nearest office or book online today.

What is a shoulder replacement procedure?

A shoulder replacement procedure is a type of ortho​​paedic surgery. It involves your surgeon at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics (MBO) making an incision near your shoulder joint and using special tools to remove diseased or damaged tissue. Afterward, your surgeon replaces the joint with a prosthetic made of metal, relieving pain and improving your mobility.

Traditional shoulder replacement required an overnight stay in the hospital. For appropriate candidates, the orthopaedic specialists at MBO offer shoulder replacement options that allow you to go home the same day of your procedure.

When is shoulder replacement surgery necessary?

Your provider at MBO might recommend shoulder replacement if you regularly experience shoulder pain due to an underlying medical condition, like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. That’s especially true if:

• You have a decreased range of motion
• The pain keeps you up at night
• Your shoulder is weak
• Your symptoms prevent you from showering, combing your hair, or brushing your teeth

After an exam and a discussion of your symptoms, your provider can develop a custom treatment plan that helps you feel better.

What are the types of shoulder replacement surgery?

At MBO, the orthopaedic specialists perform several types of shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Total shoulder replacement

Total shoulder replacement occurs under general anesthesia. After you fall asleep, your surgeon will remove your damaged ball and socket and replace it with a prosthesis.

After positioning your new joint, your provider closes the incision and moves you to a recovery room for observation.

Partial shoulder replacements

This is a procedure where only one portion of the shoulder is damaged and the ball is the only part of the shoulder that is replaced.

Reverse shoulder replacement

Reverse shoulder replacement is similar to total shoulder replacement. The difference is that the ball and socket of the artificial joint are in opposite positions. Your surgeon at MBO might recommend reverse shoulder replacement if you also have a torn rotator cuff. 

Does shoulder replacement require a stay in the hospital?

At MBO, the orthopaedic specialists perform shoulder replacement procedures in conjunction with Mercer County Surgery Center. Mercer County Surgery Center was named the number 1 surgical center in NJ in 2022. This unique partnership allows them to perform both traditional shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement on an outpatient basis. After the anesthesia wears off, a friend or family member can drive you home.

Outpatient procedures present fewer risks than hospital surgeries.The benefits of outpatient surgery at our surgical center are ease of use (easier to navigate than a typical hospital), scheduled surgeries typically do not get bumped or delayed due to an emergency surgery, reduced risk of infection because people are not sick who come into the surgery center, patient focused so they get top quality care, and reduced cost.

To see if you can benefit from shoulder replacement, make an appointment at Mercer-Bucks Orthopaedics by calling the nearest office or booking online today.