Shoulder pain can disrupt every aspect of your life, from work to sleep and daily activities. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, total shoulder replacement surgery may be the solution to restore function and reduce severe pain.
At his Austin, Texas practice, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip—a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon—offers cutting-edge solutions tailored to your needs. With expertise in total shoulder replacement surgery, we are committed to helping you regain comfort and mobility. Contact us today!
“My husband and I are amazed by the care that Dr. Ben gave us. My hubby had surgery to remove a bone spur and I had rotator cuff 3 months later. We had exceptional care and were truly informed before, during, and after treatment. Our PT wants to send others to him because of how well we are progressing in our therapy. We would absolutely recommend him to others! He’ll treat you like a real person and talk to you as a friend. Super appreciative of his concern and excellent skills!” — Dina P.
Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged parts of the shoulder with artificial components. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint, where the head of the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the socket of the shoulder blade (scapula). When arthritis, injury, or other conditions cause severe damage to this joint, replacement surgery restores smooth, pain-free motion.
The procedure involves replacing:
This combination mimics the natural joint, enabling a return to daily activities without pain or stiffness.
Total shoulder replacement surgery is a proven treatment for several conditions that cause joint damage, including:
Patients with these conditions often experience severe pain, stiffness, and loss of motion, making surgery the best option when non-surgical treatments fail.
If you suffer from chronic shoulder pain that impacts your daily life, you might be a candidate for total shoulder replacement. Signs it’s time to consider surgery include:
Dr. Szerlip will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and activity goals to determine if a total shoulder replacement is the right solution for you. In addition to total shoulder replacement, he can also perform partial shoulder replacement for patients with isolated joint damage and reverse shoulder replacement for those with severe rotator cuff tendon injuries.
Total shoulder replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts two to three hours. During the procedure:
This combination restores the natural mechanics of the joint, allowing pain-free motion.
For patients with severely damaged rotator cuff tendons, Dr. Szerlip may recommend a reverse total shoulder replacement, where the positions of the ball and socket are reversed to improve joint function.
A successful total shoulder replacement can deliver life-changing results, including:
Dr. Szerlip’s advanced surgical techniques and personalized care ensure patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
As with any surgery, total shoulder replacement carries some risks, including:
However, these risks are rare, and Dr. Szerlip employs state-of-the-art methods to minimize complications and optimize recovery.
Healing after total shoulder replacement surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Recovery milestones include:
Dr. Szerlip provides each patient with a customized recovery plan, ensuring the best results and a safe return to normal life.
If shoulder pain has taken control of your life, total shoulder replacement with Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, could be the solution you’ve been searching for. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, Dr. Szerlip combines innovative techniques with compassionate care to help his patients regain strength, mobility, and comfort.
Schedule a consultation today to learn how total shoulder replacement surgery can restore your quality of life. Take the first step toward a pain-free future with the trusted expertise of Dr. Szerlip in Austin, Texas.
Medically reviewed by Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO
