Shoulder Replacement

About 53,000 people in the United States undergo shoulder replacement surgery to relieve shoulder pain and restore shoulder function. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kyle Borque, MD, at Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Sugar Land, Texas, specializes in shoulder replacement surgery. He takes a patient-centered approach and develops individualized surgical plans that provide the best outcomes. Call the office or book online today to schedule your shoulder replacement consultation.

What is a shoulder replacement?

A shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged portions of your shoulder joint with prosthetic devices. 

Though not as common as knee and hip replacement surgery, shoulder replacement has successfully helped many people get relief from their debilitating shoulder pain. 

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Borque uses innovative tools and techniques to perform shoulder replacement surgery.

Am I a candidate for a shoulder replacement?

Dr. Borque determines if you’re a candidate for shoulder replacement after a consultation. You may be a good candidate if you have severe shoulder pain that limits your daily activities. 

Dr. Borque typically only recommends shoulder replacement when conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, fail to provide pain relief. He performs shoulder replacement surgery to treat arthritis, severe fractures, rotator cuff arthropathy, and avascular necrosis (death of bone cells due to lack of blood supply). 

What are the types of shoulder replacement surgeries?

Dr. Borque uses many techniques for shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Total shoulder replacement

Dr. Borque replaces the entire shoulder joint during a total shoulder replacement, substituting your diseased or damaged ball and socket joint with a prosthetic ball and socket joint. 

Stemmed hemiarthroplasty

During a stemmed hemiarthroplasty, Dr. Borque only replaces the ball portion of your shoulder’s ball and socket joint. He may recommend this procedure if only your ball joint is damaged. 

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty

With a resurfacing hemiarthroplasty, Dr. Borque replaces the surface of your humeral head (upper arm bone) with a cap-like prosthesis.

Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty is a conservative procedure and helps preserve most of your natural bone. Dr. Borque may recommend this procedure for young, active individuals. 

Reverse total shoulder replacement

During a reverse total shoulder replacement, Dr. Borque places the socket joint on the arm bone and the ball joint in the shoulder socket. He uses this technique for patients with severe or complete rotator cuff tears or a history of a failed shoulder replacement.  

How long is recovery following a shoulder replacement?

Full recovery from a shoulder replacement surgery may take 6-12 months. Dr. Borque provides specific guidelines, including physical therapy, to support your recovery.

To schedule your shoulder replacement consultation, call Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or book an appointment online today.