Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement services offered in Wasilla, AK

Shoulder replacement surgery provides a safe and effective way to swap out a damaged or diseased shoulder joint with a high-quality prosthetic. The prosthetic replaces your damaged joint surfaces, relieves pain, and restores your shoulder’s range of motion. At Pioneer Peak Orthopedics in Wasilla, Alaska, the board-certified surgeons specialize in minimally invasive shoulder replacement surgery. Call the office to schedule a shoulder replacement consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What is shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged pieces of your shoulder bone with artificial pieces made of metal or plastic. These components restore your shoulder’s range of motion, ease pain, and let you complete routine activities, such as combing your hair and brushing your teeth.

Almost everyone experiences shoulder pain during their lives, but it typically improves with rest and at-home care. However, you may be a candidate for shoulder replacement if your symptoms are caused by a medical condition that damages the shoulder joint, such as:

Osteoarthritis (OA)
Rotator cuff injuries
Fractures (broken bones)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Osteonecrosis (a condition that affects blood flow to the bones in your shoulder)

Consider shoulder replacement if your shoulder pain is severe and keeps you from work or other activities.

Are there different types of shoulder replacement surgery?

The Pioneer Peak Orthopedics team offers several types of shoulder replacement surgery, including:

Anatomic shoulder replacement

This procedure replaces the ball and socket of your shoulder joint with prosthetic pieces. The artificial pieces resemble your natural bones, reducing pain and stiffness and restoring your range of motion.

Reverse shoulder replacement

This procedure also replaces the ball and socket of your shoulder joint with prosthetics, but the pieces are reversed. Your provider may recommend this approach if your shoulder pain is due to a rotator cuff injury.

Partial shoulder replacement

Your provider recommends this approach if only the ball of your shoulder joint is damaged. It replaces the ball or head of the shoulder joint with a prosthetic.

What is recovery like after shoulder replacement surgery?

After shoulder replacement surgery, you stay in the hospital for 24-48 hours. You must wear a sling to hold your shoulder in the proper position and promote healing.

During the first few weeks of recovery, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, pain, stiffness, and bruising. Take any medication as prescribed, avoid strenuous activities, and attend each physical therapy session. Physical therapy helps restore your joint’s range of motion, builds strength, and encourages recovery.

Most people stop wearing their slings six to 12 weeks after surgery and can return to exercise and other activities within six months.

Call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics to schedule a shoulder replacement surgery consultation, or book your appointment online today.