Shoulder Replacement Surgery Specialists in Louisville, KY

Has unrelenting shoulder pain left you considering shoulder replacement surgery? If so, you can find the world-class orthopedic expertise you need right here in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1974, Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic has helped patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions find meaningful relief from their discomfort, and we look forward to helping you do the same.

What Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Entail?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that is made up of the glenoid (the socket) and the top of the humerus bone (the ball). Shoulder replacement surgery involves removing the worn or damaged ball and socket components of the shoulder joint and replacing them with plastic or metal implants (prostheses) that are designed to restore comfortable joint function. In some cases, only one component of the shoulder joint may need to be removed—this is referred to as partial shoulder replacement.

When Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Appropriate?

Shoulder replacement surgery may be a viable treatment option for patients with severe arthritis. There are several types of arthritis that can lead to the need for joint replacement, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis

Other complex shoulder issues, such as severe shoulder joint fractures and avascular necrosis, may also be addressed through shoulder replacement.

Shoulder replacement surgery is largely viewed as a last resort for patients with shoulder joint dysfunction. Nevertheless, this procedure is associated with high success rates and can significantly improve quality of life for patients with disruptive joint conditions that do not respond to conservative therapies.

The board-certified surgeons at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic utilize minimally invasive and muscle-sparing techniques when performing shoulder replacement surgery to help streamline the recovery process and achieve optimal results for patients. We encourage you to schedule an appointment—either virtually or in-person—to speak with our orthopedic specialists about your options. Our team is ready to help.