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Shoulder Replacement Surgery

When nonsurgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or activity modifications are no longer relieving your shoulder pain, your doctor might suggest total shoulder replacement surgery as a good option for your unique shoulder condition.

At Specialty Orthopaedics, our team of trusted shoulder surgeons provide patients with total, partial and reverse shoulder replacements across North Georgia. From shoulder dislocations and arthritis to fractures, sprains and strains, our team is ready to relieve you of shoulder pain.

Shoulder Replacement Procedure

A shoulder replacement, also called shoulder arthroplasty, is a safe and effective procedure, offered by the fellowship trained, board-certified surgeons at Specialty Orthopaedics.

There are several types of shoulder replacement surgery available, and the right approach depends on your injury, joint condition, and overall needs. Your orthopedic team will carefully evaluate your shoulder and recommend the surgical option designed to provide the best possible outcome.

Total Shoulder Replacement

A total shoulder replacement involves replacing the entire ball-and-socket joint of the damaged shoulder with metal and plastic prosthetics. 

Partial Shoulder Replacement

Partial surgery involves only one part of the shoulder joint being replaced. Either a metal ball will replace the original, or the socket will be removed, and a plastic prosthetic will take its place. 

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

This surgery, also known as Reverse TSA, is where the ball-and-socket joint is reversed instead of removed. A ball is attached where your shoulder socket usually sits, and a socket is fitted to the top of your upper arm. 

All three of these surgeries take around 2-3 hours, and you will be placed under anesthesia. By consulting with our team of experts, we will help you decide which procedure is right for you and get you back to feeling your best. 

Recovering from a Shoulder Surgery

Following shoulder replacement surgery, you will have several recovery steps to take. Typically, patients experience pain relief soon after the surgery’s completion. It is common to have limited mobility and be placed in a sling for two to six weeks.

Recovery looks different for every patient depending on the extent of the shoulder replacement and the shoulder’s prior condition. Some patients take a few months to regain full mobility; however, others can take up to a year.

Specialty Orthopaedics is there for you every step of the way during your recovery process. Though it can be painful, we will walk you through recommended medications to alleviate pain and gentle range-of-motion exercises to help you get back to what matters most.

We are able to offer patients same-day, outpatient surgical care at our orthopedic surgery center. Patients can return home to recover and heal immediately after shoulder procedures.

How to Know if Shoulder Surgery is Right For You

Shoulder surgery depends on the condition that you are suffering from. When experiencing shoulder pain, many patients opt for non-surgical options, such as physical therapy, to start. However, conditions like severe arthritis do not benefit from physical therapy.

Symptoms to pay attention to are persistent or worsening pain, limited mobility, and conditions unaffected by treatment. For conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain with no relief, you should consider a surgical shoulder replacement.

Meet Our Shoulder Experts

If you suffer from shoulder pain and want to learn more, the fellowship-trained Specialty Orthopaedics team is here to guide you through the entire process with a patient-centered treatment plan and lasting care. Schedule an appointment with one of our shoulder specialists today.

Filippo Chillemi
Filippo Chillemi, MD
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Gary Davis
Gary Davis III, MD
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Ben Puckett
Ben Puckett, MD
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John Vachtsevanos
John Vachtsevanos, MD
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Our Outpatient Surgery Center

Specialty Orthopaedics is pleased to offer our on-site ambulatory surgery center, where patients can receive same-day surgical care. Our center provides the convenience of surgery outside a hospital setting, allowing patients high-quality care at a reduced cost, shorter wait times, no extended hospital stays and streamlined scheduling. As the only orthopedic outpatient surgery center in Hall County, we are committed to delivering the best patient care and surgical experience.
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Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics?

Our vision is to provide excellent, patient-focused, comprehensive orthopedic care to patients of all ages across North Georgia. With more than 20 years of experience, Specialty Orthopaedics has grown to become a pillar of the North Georgia medical community with four convenient locations in Gainesville, Dawsonville, Braselton, and Duluth.

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