Shoulder Surgery

If shoulder pain gets in the way of routine activities like exercising, carrying groceries, or getting a good night's sleep—we can help. At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, our shoulder specialists provide personalized care to relieve pain, manage symptoms, and minimize lasting damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Conditions

Shoulder pain can range from mildly uncomfortable to downright debilitating. And while some shoulder pain can be treated with rest and relaxation at home, we recommend connecting with our team if you're experiencing:

• Pain or difficulty carrying objects, raising your arms, or reaching for items
• Unexplained pain, especially when not using your arms
• Pain that's preventing you from sleeping or getting comfortable while in bed
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness around your shoulder
• A snapping, clicking, or popping sound in your shoulder

Types of Shoulder Conditions

At Virtua, we take a team approach to treating your shoulder pain. Here, our shoulder specialists, sports medicine specialists, and orthopedic surgeons collaborate to evaluate, diagnose, and care for a wide range of conditions, including:

• Avascular necrosis, the loss of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply
• Brachial plexus injury, which occurs when the nerves are stretched, compressed or torn
• Bursitis
• Fractures or sprains
• Frozen shoulder, a condition that results in pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility
• Labral tears or injury
• Osteoarthritis, or inflammation in your joints
• Rotator cuff tears or injury
• Shoulder dislocation, when the head of the upper arm (humerus) separates from the shoulder blade socket
• Tendinitis
• Tendon rupture

Shoulder Replacement Surgery at Virtua

Consider this: Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. But that also means it's the most unstable, leading to injuries and arthritis. At Virtua, our orthopedic surgeons have a deep understanding of this complex area, and we can help make shoulder pain a thing of the past.

Here's how we approach shoulder replacement surgeries at Virtua Health:

• Surgery starts with you: If you're unsure about shoulder replacement surgery, we can help. Our team is here to answer every question, listen to your concerns, and develop the best treatment plan that works for your goals and lifestyle. This way, you understand all of your options to make an informed decision.
• Engineered for your shoulder: Because your shoulder is one-of-a-kind, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind joint replacement. This means that we'll use customized components designed to fit your body perfectly.
• Your trusted partner: At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, we're here to be your trusted partner in health. After surgery, our physical therapists will develop an exercise routine that will strengthen your shoulder and restore mobility.

Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Thanks to technological and artificial advancements, more than 90% of shoulder replacements last at least 10 years. Following a shoulder replacement surgery, you can expect:

• Significant pain relief in your shoulder
• Improved quality of life, including increased mobility in your shoulder
• The ability to resume normal activities, like exercising, household tasks, and participating in sports

What to Expect With Shoulder Surgery

A successful shoulder surgery starts with a well-thought-out plan. That's why our surgeons, specialists, nurse navigators, and physical therapists will walk you through every aspect of your surgery. And while every surgery varies, here's what you can expect from your shoulder surgery:

• Here's the game plan: During your surgical consultation, we'll discuss every detail of your surgery. We'll also talk through recovery tips like making sure your incision doesn't get wet or avoiding heavy lifting for a period of time.
• Your surgery: The day before your procedure, we'll get in touch and let you know what time your surgery is. Most shoulder surgeries take about two hours to complete. From there, you'll move to a recovery room to rest.
• Shoulder arthroscopic surgery recovery: Recovery can vary based on the type of arthroscopic surgery you have. In fact, recovery can range from 1 week to several months, it all depends on the amount of repair done.
• Shoulder replacement recovery: Your rehabilitation begins the moment you're out of surgery. Our team will help you with some light exercises and movement as soon as possible for optimal results. After leaving the hospital, you can expect to wear a sling for about two to four weeks. And for most people, it may take up to six months to begin resuming more demanding activities like playing golf or swimming.
• Physical therapy: Following your surgery, our physical therapists will develop a home exercise plan that will continue to build up strength in your shoulder. We may also recommend a period of in-person rehabilitation if necessary.