2025 Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost & Recovery Guide: What to Expect and Risks

Introduction

Shoulder replacement surgery is a modern medical procedure designed to replace damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components, aiming to alleviate pain and restore function.

Each year, approximately 53,000 individuals in the U.S. undergo this surgery, especially those suffering from severe arthritis or shoulder fractures.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the procedure, recovery expectations, risks, and longevity of the implant.

Who Should Consider Shoulder Replacement?

Ideal candidates typically experience intense shoulder pain unrelieved by conservative treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy.

Common conditions warranting surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis: Age-related cartilage deterioration causing joint pain.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder leading to joint inflammation.
• Avascular Necrosis: Bone damage due to disrupted blood supply.
• Severe Shoulder Fractures: Complex breaks that impair joint integrity.

Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and medical history to determine if surgery is the best option.

Patients who benefit most often have:

• Significant loss of shoulder strength or motion
• Persistent pain disrupting daily activities and sleep
• No meaningful improvement from non-surgical treatments

Conversely, outcomes may be less favorable for individuals with diabetes, depression, obesity, or Parkinson’s disease.

Preparing for Your Surgery

Preparation starts weeks before surgery, including a thorough physical exam to ensure fitness for the procedure.

You may need to discontinue certain medications, such as NSAIDs and blood thinners, to reduce bleeding risks.

On surgery day, wear comfortable, loose clothing with buttons for easy dressing post-operation.

Expect a hospital stay of 2-3 days, and arrange transportation home since driving is discouraged until shoulder strength and motion return.

Post-surgery assistance is typically necessary for about six weeks.

What Happens During Surgery?

The operation usually lasts around two hours under general or regional anesthesia.

Surgeons replace the damaged humeral head (the ball of the shoulder joint) with a metal implant and resurface the glenoid (socket) with plastic.

In some cases, only the humeral head is replaced in a partial shoulder replacement.

After surgery, patients spend several hours in recovery before moving to a hospital room.

Recovery Process

Recovery involves managing pain, which may initially require injectable medications, then oral pain relievers.

Rehabilitation begins immediately, often on the day of surgery, to encourage movement and healing.

Patients typically wear a sling for 2-4 weeks and should avoid lifting objects heavier than one pound or engaging in pushing/pulling activities for about a month.

Most resume gentle daily activities within 2-6 weeks, though driving may be restricted for up to six weeks depending on the operated shoulder and driving side.

Adhering to prescribed home exercises is crucial for regaining strength, with full return to vigorous activities like swimming or golf expected around six months post-surgery.

Potential Complications

While shoulder replacement is generally safe, risks include:

• Infection
• Anesthesia reactions
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Rotator cuff tears
• Fractures
• Implant loosening or dislocation

Longevity of Shoulder Implants

Modern shoulder replacements typically last 15 to 20 years, with revision surgeries being uncommon.

Final Thoughts

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved shoulder mobility after replacement surgery, enabling a return to everyday activities.

Consult your doctor to determine if shoulder replacement is the right choice for your condition in 2024.

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