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Shoulder & Elbow Services

UH Team Provides Excellent Outcomes for Shoulder Replacements

University Hospitals’ board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled in delivering excellent outcomes for shoulder replacement surgery. In fact, 9 out of 10 of our shoulder replacement patients report they are still pain-free at least 15 years after their surgery.

Our surgical team stays involved in cutting-edge research with a constant focus on continuing to develop new shoulder implants and surgical techniques to help our patients have faster recoveries and better results with their new shoulder joint. These innovative research discoveries, provided by our highly skilled and experienced team, deliver the highest-quality medical care to our shoulder replacement surgery patients. With focused physical rehabilitation services, we will make sure you receive support and the personalized attention you need before, during and after your procedure for improved form and function.

Wide Array of Treatment Options

Chronic shoulder pain does not always mean replacement surgery is necessary. To determine your precise diagnosis, your orthopedic shoulder specialist will:

  • Perform a physical examination
  • Evaluate your movement
  • Talk with you about your symptoms
  • Discuss your activity or health goals
  • Order an x-ray study of your shoulder

Based on this information, your physician will be able to determine the cause of your shoulder issues - either arthritis in your shoulder or some other condition, such as a rotator cuff injury or impingement. We will bring together an entire team to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. Our multidisciplinary care team approach ensures that your shoulder issues are treated with the most comprehensive care for optimal outcomes.

Based on your condition and health goals, our team may recommend:

  • Activity modification: Simply changing daily activities can allow some shoulder conditions to repair on their own, or reduce discomfort.
  • Cortisone injections: Typically received only a few times a year, these injections reduce inflammation in the shoulder to eliminate pain and allow for greater movement. Shots can usually be received at a UH Health Center near your home.
  • Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation and pain.
  • Physical rehabilitation: Working with our highly qualified and experienced physical therapists can help strengthen the shoulder and increase movement instead of surgery, or before and after surgery. Physical rehabilitation is not recommended with shoulder arthritis as it often increases joint damage and discomfort.

Specialized Sports Medicine Programs for Athletes

If your shoulder pain or injury is sports related, our highly qualified orthopedic shoulder team provides expert care for any sports injuries. We will design a treatment and rehabilitation plan that will help you get back in the game whether you’re a pro or just love to play a sport. Our sports medicine specialists are the team physicians and official healthcare partners for the Cleveland Browns and have been for since 2014. We provide that same level of expertise for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Successful Surgical Outcomes

If you have severe arthritis in the shoulder or another condition that requires joint replacement — and your rotator cuff is in good condition — shoulder replacement surgery is often an excellent long-term solution to chronic shoulder pain and lack of movement.

Also called resurfacing, shoulder replacement surgery is one of the most viable treatment options available. During total shoulder replacement surgery, the ball and socket of the joint are replaced by implants, or metal and plastic prosthetics. With a partial shoulder replacement, only the ball is replaced. The socket is then resurfaced, which minimizes both the surgery and recovery times.

The recovery time for a shoulder replacement procedure is typically about three to four months, which includes physical rehabilitation sessions. Physical rehabilitation helps regain movement in the joint, but also trains the rest of your body to move in harmony with the new, stronger joint.

Throughout the process, you can expect personalized attention from all your UH providers to ensure your smooth recovery as you return to the activities you love.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Chronic shoulder pain often gets worse without treatment. If your pain is preventing you from sleeping, caring for yourself or performing the daily activities you love, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists – conveniently located throughout northeast Ohio. Call 216-844-7200 or use our Online Request  a Call Back Form.