New Jersey Total Shoulder Replacement

The shoulder is a fragile joint, and susceptible to damage, causing pain, immobility, and dislocation. Debilitating shoulder conditions can come in a number of forms for a number of reasons, and affect patients both young and old. Whether joint pain is being treated conservatively or surgically, the shoulder joint requires delicate care to ensure proper treatment.

Total shoulder replacement is a solution for severe, persistent shoulder pain that cannot be treated using noninvasive means, such as physical therapy or activity modification. While a number of shoulder sports injuries can be treated arthroscopically, total joint replacement is a solution for arthritic conditions and bone fractures. Shoulder replacement surgery allows patients to regain function in the shoulder joint and restores mobility to its previous levels. Additionally, after the post-operative period, patients report significantly less irritation and discomfort, allowing for a pain-free return to active lifestyles.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, able to rotate relatively freely through a wide range of motions. The top of the upper arm bone (humerus), acts as the ball, fitting snuggly within a socket located on the shoulder blade (scapula), known as the glenoid. Resting between the surfaces of the two bones is a cartilaginous material that allows the shoulder to rotate and move with ease.

Total Shoulder Replacement Procedure

Also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, shoulder replacement surgery involves the removal of diseased bone and tissue and replacement of the joint with prosthetic components. During the surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will scrape, or resurface, the joint surfaces to remove any diseased bone materials or debris floating around the joint. The surgeon will remove the humeral head and replace it with a metal prosthetic, held in place by a stem that sits within the neck of the bone. The glenoid is replaced with a plastic component that is cemented into the scapula. The replacement joint is designed to feel and function like the natural shoulder joint. Additionally, patients will experience reduced pain after the post-operative recovery period, allowing them to return to previous levels of activity.

Shoulder Replacement Excellence in Springfield & Newark, NJ

Dr. Rieber is one of New Jersey’s most trusted orthopaedic doctors, and specializes in minimally invasive treatment for joint arthroplasty. His expertise in total shoulder arthroplasty extends to more advanced and complicated procedures, such as reverse total shoulder replacement. To learn more about scheduling an appointment to diagnose shoulder pain, call one of Dr. Riber’s two New Jersey offices, located in Springfield, NJ, and Newark, NJ.

Learn more about Dr. Michael Rieber »