Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Bartlett, IL
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder joint is responsible for a remarkable range of everyday movements — from reaching overhead to something as simple as brushing your teeth or lifting a glass. When shoulder pain from arthritis, wear and tear, or severe tendon damage becomes debilitating and nonsurgical treatments are no longer providing relief, total shoulder replacement surgery is a proven and highly effective solution for restoring mobility and getting patients back to the activities they love.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our team of highly experienced, board-certified orthopedic shoulder specialists is actively involved in advancing implant designs and surgical techniques. These dedicated, compassionate surgeons are here to help you determine whether shoulder replacement is the right option for you:
If you're ready to get back to your normal routine without the burden of shoulder pain, book an appointment with a Barrington Orthopedic Specialists physician.
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery: What to Expect
Considering shoulder replacement surgery? Understanding the procedure and your recovery is an essential first step toward making a confident decision. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified shoulder surgeons will review your condition and imaging, walk you through your options, and develop a personalized care plan designed to deliver the best possible outcome.
Shoulder replacement surgery is performed through a small incision at the front of the shoulder. The damaged surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with carefully sized prosthetic components that restore a smooth, pain-free articulating surface. While shoulder replacement is less common than hip or knee replacement, it can be equally effective at relieving pain and restoring function in appropriately selected patients — and advancements in implant technology and surgical technique have made outcomes better than ever.
Our physicians will review your X-rays and discuss your symptoms and activity goals in detail to determine which type of replacement is most appropriate for your specific situation. Shoulder replacement can be a truly transformative treatment option for the right patient, and our team is here to ensure you receive care that is among the best.
Orthopedic Shoulder Specialists at BOS
Meet the board-certified shoulder surgeons who perform total and reverse shoulder replacement for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Shoulder Replacement Recommended?+
Shoulder replacement is recommended when significant joint damage — confirmed on X-ray — is causing persistent pain and loss of function that has not responded adequately to nonsurgical treatment. The most common reasons for shoulder replacement include osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and severe tendon damage that cannot be repaired. These conditions are more common with age but can also affect younger, active individuals.
Before recommending surgery, our specialists will explore nonsurgical options including activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. When these measures no longer provide meaningful relief, replacement surgery offers a reliable and long-lasting solution.
What Are the Different Types of Shoulder Replacement?+
Total Shoulder Replacement
In a total shoulder replacement, the damaged ball-and-socket joint surfaces are replaced with a metal ball attached to a stem inserted into the upper arm bone, and a smooth plastic socket component fitted onto the shoulder blade. This closely replicates the natural joint geometry and is highly effective at relieving pain and restoring motion. A functioning rotator cuff is necessary for this type of replacement, as the cuff muscles are responsible for stabilizing and moving the new joint.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
For patients whose rotator cuff is severely damaged or irreparable — including those with cuff tear arthropathy or a previously failed shoulder replacement — a reverse total shoulder replacement may be recommended instead. In this procedure, the ball and socket positions are switched, allowing the deltoid muscle to power the joint in the absence of a functional rotator cuff. Our physicians specialize in both total and reverse shoulder replacement and will recommend the approach best suited to your condition.
What Nonsurgical Treatments Are Tried Before Shoulder Replacement?+
Shoulder replacement is typically considered only after conservative treatment options have been exhausted. Nonsurgical treatments that are commonly tried first include:
- Activity modification – Adjusting or limiting activities that aggravate the shoulder to reduce pain and slow further joint deterioration.
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) – To manage pain and reduce inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections – Targeted injections can provide significant temporary relief from joint pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy – A structured program to improve shoulder strength and range of motion and reduce functional limitations.
When these approaches no longer provide adequate relief, our surgeons will discuss whether replacement surgery is the appropriate next step.
What Is Recovery Like After Total Shoulder Replacement?+
Thanks to advances in post-surgical pain management, most patients return home after a brief hospital stay, and same-day discharge is possible in some cases. Key recovery milestones include:
- Sling wear – The arm is kept in a sling for several weeks following surgery to protect the healing joint and allow soft tissues to recover.
- Early return to daily activities – Many patients are able to resume light activities such as showering within the first few days after surgery.
- Physical therapy – A structured rehabilitation program begins while the sling is still being worn, gradually progressing to restore range of motion and build strength in the shoulder.
- Pain relief – Many patients experience meaningful — and often surprising — pain relief within the first few weeks following surgery, with continued improvement over the months that follow.
- Full recovery – Complete recovery and maximum functional improvement typically unfold over a period of up to 6 months and beyond, depending on the patient and the type of replacement performed.
Your surgeon and rehabilitation team will develop a personalized recovery plan tailored to your procedure and goals.
What Are the Risks of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?+
As with any surgical procedure, shoulder replacement carries some risks. Our physicians, anesthesiologists, and surgical teams take extensive measures to minimize these risks and ensure the safest possible experience for every patient. Your surgeon will review all potential risks with you in detail during your consultation, and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have before making your decision. Our goal is to ensure you feel fully informed and confident at every stage of your care.