Leading Shoulder Replacement Surgeons Near Me in Morgantown, WV
Restore Mobility with Expert Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Living with severe shoulder pain can feel like a constant battle. Simple actions like combing your hair, reaching into a cupboard, or even sleeping through the night become painful challenges. When the smooth cartilage of your shoulder joint wears away due to arthritis or injury, bone rubs against bone, leading to stiffness and debilitating pain. If conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery offers a transformative solution. This advanced procedure replaces the damaged joint surfaces with durable artificial components, effectively eliminating the source of pain and restoring your ability to move freely.
Since 1977, Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates (MOA) has been the premier choice for joint replacement surgery in Morgantown and North Central West Virginia. Our fellowship-trained shoulder replacement surgeons are experts in the latest surgical techniques, including total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, guiding you from your first consultation through your complete recovery. In partnership with the state-of-the-art Orthopedic Center at Mon Health Medical Center, we deliver exceptional surgical outcomes to help you reclaim your independence.
You don't have to accept chronic shoulder pain as a way of life. MOA offers faster access to specialized care than many large hospital systems, so you can find relief sooner.
What is shoulder replacement surgery, and how does it work?
Shoulder replacement surgery, or shoulder arthroplasty, is a procedure to replace a damaged shoulder joint with artificial parts. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. In a standard total shoulder replacement, the damaged "ball" at the top of the arm bone (humerus) is replaced with a smooth metal ball, and the "socket" of the shoulder blade (glenoid) is resurfaced with a high-grade plastic component. This creates a new, smooth interface that allows the shoulder to move without pain.
For patients with severe rotator cuff damage alongside arthritis, a different procedure called "reverse total shoulder replacement" is often used. In this surgery, the anatomy is reversed: the metal ball is attached to the shoulder blade and the plastic socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This design allows the deltoid muscle, rather than the damaged rotator cuff, to power the arm, restoring function that was previously lost. Both procedures are highly effective at relieving pain and improving range of motion.
What conditions can shoulder replacement surgery treat?
Shoulder replacement surgery is primarily used to treat severe end-stage arthritis that causes shoulder joint pain and stiffness. The most common cause is osteoarthritis, the "wear-and-tear" arthritis that erodes cartilage over time. It is also a highly effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory condition that damages the joint lining.
Another major condition treated is post-traumatic arthritis, which can develop years after a serious shoulder fracture or dislocation. Additionally, this surgery is the gold standard for "cuff tear arthropathy," a complex condition where a long-standing, massive rotator cuff tear leads to severe arthritis and instability. A specialized procedure called reverse total shoulder replacement is specifically designed to address this challenging combination of problems. Finally, shoulder replacement may be necessary for avascular necrosis, a condition where the blood supply to the humeral head is disrupted, causing the bone to collapse.
How do I know if I need shoulder replacement surgery?
The decision to proceed with shoulder replacement surgery is made in collaboration with an experienced shoulder orthopedic surgeon. You may be a candidate if you have severe shoulder pain that limits your everyday activities, such as washing, dressing, or reaching overhead. Other signs include moderate to severe pain while resting or sleeping, and a significant loss of motion or weakness in the shoulder.
If you have exhausted non-surgical options—such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and physical therapy—without significant relief, surgery is likely the next step. A comprehensive evaluation by a shoulder specialist near you, including a physical exam and X-rays, will determine the extent of the joint damage. If the bone-on-bone contact is severe and your quality of life is suffering, shoulder replacement surgery can offer a reliable path to pain relief.
What is the recovery process like after shoulder replacement surgery?
Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery is a structured process that leads to significant improvements in quality of life. Most patients spend one night in the hospital or go home the same day. For the first few weeks (typically 4 to 6 weeks), you will wear a sling to protect the surgical repair and allow the tissues to heal. During this time, you will not be allowed to actively lift your arm or heavy objects.
Physical therapy is crucial and usually begins shortly after surgery. Initially, the focus is on passive motion exercises to prevent stiffness. As healing progresses, you will move to active exercises to regain movement and eventually strengthening exercises to rebuild the muscles around the joint. Most patients can perform light waist-level activities within a few weeks, with a return to more active use of the arm around 3 to 4 months. Full recovery and strength continue to improve for up to a year.
How much does shoulder replacement surgery cost?
The shoulder replacement surgery cost varies depending on the specific type of implant used (anatomic vs. reverse), the length of your hospital stay, and your insurance coverage. The total cost generally includes the surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, and the facility charges for the hospital or surgery center.
Because severe shoulder arthritis is a debilitating medical condition, shoulder replacement surgery is considered medically necessary and is covered by most health insurance plans, including Medicare. However, copays and deductibles will apply. The knowledgeable financial team at Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates can help you verify your specific insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket responsibility prior to your surgery, ensuring there are no surprises.
More Questions About Shoulder Replacement
Do I need a referral to see a shoulder replacement surgeon at MOA?
No, you generally do not need a referral to schedule a consultation with one of our shoulder replacement surgeons. We offer direct access to our specialists, allowing you to bypass administrative hurdles and get an expert evaluation for your shoulder pain quickly.
How quickly can I schedule an appointment for shoulder replacement surgery?
At Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates, we pride ourselves on accessibility. We can typically schedule new patient consultations much faster than large university or hospital systems, helping you begin your journey toward pain relief without a frustrating wait.
What should I expect during a shoulder replacement surgery consultation?
During your consultation, a fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon will review your medical history and discuss your symptoms and limitations. They will perform a detailed physical exam to assess your range of motion and strength. They will also review your X-rays (and potentially a CT scan) to visualize the arthritis. Your surgeon will then explain the procedure, discuss the different implant options, and answer all your questions.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement is a safe and successful procedure, but like any major surgery, it carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, blood clots, and risks associated with anesthesia. Specific risks to the shoulder include instability (dislocation), nerve injury, and the possibility that the implant components could loosen or wear out over time. Our experienced surgeons take rigorous precautions to minimize these risks and will discuss them with you in detail.