Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsShoulder ReplacementRotator Cuff SurgeryWhich One is Best?Can They be Used Together?Side EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Shoulder Replacement
Rotator Cuff Surgery
Which One is Best?
Can They be Used Together?
Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 18% to 26% of adults cope withshoulder pain.Some people will need to undergo surgeries likeshoulder replacementorrotator cuff surgeryto treat chronic shoulder pain.
This article discusses what goes into both procedures and why a person may choose one over the other.
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What to Know About Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery can resolve damage from various problems such asosteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and fractures.
How Does It Work?
A shoulder replacement surgery involves removing damaged bone in theshoulder jointandrotator cuffand replacing it with implants. In some cases, the entire joint in the shoulder will be replaced.
The procedure usually is highly successful at reducing pain and improving shoulder mobility.
Can Anyone Get Shoulder Replacement Surgery?Some people may be ineligible for shoulder replacement or are at a higher risk for complications. People who should not consider this type of surgery include:Those under the age of 59Cigarette smokersPeople withosteoporosis(condition that causes weak, brittle bones)Someone with irreparable damage to their rotator cuffDamage in nerves that go from the shoulder to the spine
Can Anyone Get Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Some people may be ineligible for shoulder replacement or are at a higher risk for complications. People who should not consider this type of surgery include:Those under the age of 59Cigarette smokersPeople withosteoporosis(condition that causes weak, brittle bones)Someone with irreparable damage to their rotator cuffDamage in nerves that go from the shoulder to the spine
Some people may be ineligible for shoulder replacement or are at a higher risk for complications. People who should not consider this type of surgery include:
Treatment Delivery
There is more than one type of shoulder replacement surgery. The type you get will depend on the extent of the damage. The three types are:
All three types of shoulder replacements are done in a hospital.
How Long Will I Be in the Hospital?Most people spend an average of three to five days in the hospital for this type of surgery. The length varies depending on how well a person responds to the surgery and their personal healing time.
How Long Will I Be in the Hospital?
Most people spend an average of three to five days in the hospital for this type of surgery. The length varies depending on how well a person responds to the surgery and their personal healing time.
Physical Therapy Exercise After a Total Shoulder Replacement
While this procedure is often considered safe and effective, there are some side effects, including:
Shoulder Replacement Surgery ComplicationsIn rare cases, serious complications can occur following this procedure, including:Shoulder instabilityInfectionTears in the rotator cuffA loosening of the artificial implants in the shoulderWearing down of part of the shoulder blade (the glenoid)Blood clotsA fracture of bones surrounding the implants
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Complications
In rare cases, serious complications can occur following this procedure, including:Shoulder instabilityInfectionTears in the rotator cuffA loosening of the artificial implants in the shoulderWearing down of part of the shoulder blade (the glenoid)Blood clotsA fracture of bones surrounding the implants
In rare cases, serious complications can occur following this procedure, including:
Prices and Where to Get It
If you have Medicare insurance, you will pay between $805 and $1,473 for your shoulder replacement surgery.
Other Costs Associated With Shoulder ReplacementAlong with the surgery itself, people undergoing this procedure also have to consider aftercare costs, such as physical therapy and medications.
Other Costs Associated With Shoulder Replacement
Along with the surgery itself, people undergoing this procedure also have to consider aftercare costs, such as physical therapy and medications.
What to Know About Rotator Cuff Surgery
How Does It work?
The surgery is designed to restore mobility in the arms as well as reduce pain. For many people with injuries to the rotator cuff, surgery is a good option to restore the function and flexibility of the shoulder.
Other Treatments for Rotator Cuff InjuryTypically, other treatments are explored prior to this surgery such as:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)such as Advil or Tylenol to reduce pain and inflammationPhysiotherapy to help strengthen and repair the rotator cuffSteroid injectionsRest
Other Treatments for Rotator Cuff Injury
Typically, other treatments are explored prior to this surgery such as:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)such as Advil or Tylenol to reduce pain and inflammationPhysiotherapy to help strengthen and repair the rotator cuffSteroid injectionsRest
Typically, other treatments are explored prior to this surgery such as:
Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
The two ways a surgeon can perform rotator cuff surgery are:
If these two options are unsuccessful, a shoulder replacement may be required.
Why Else Would a Rotator Cuff Surgery Be Necessary?In some cases, age-related degeneration can damage the rotator cuff. In this instance, surgery is necessary if the symptoms are difficult to cope with.
Why Else Would a Rotator Cuff Surgery Be Necessary?
In some cases, age-related degeneration can damage the rotator cuff. In this instance, surgery is necessary if the symptoms are difficult to cope with.
8 Types of Shoulder Surgeries
These side effects shouldn’t last longer than a week. Other side effects, such as immobility in the shoulder, will last longer. It could be a few months before you have full use of both your shoulder and your arm after rotator cuff surgery.
Rotator Cuff Surgery RisksAlthough rare, there are certain risks associated with rotator cuff surgery, including:InfectionNerve injuryStiffnessDeltoid (shoulder muscle) detachmentRe-tearing the tendon
Rotator Cuff Surgery Risks
Although rare, there are certain risks associated with rotator cuff surgery, including:InfectionNerve injuryStiffnessDeltoid (shoulder muscle) detachmentRe-tearing the tendon
Although rare, there are certain risks associated with rotator cuff surgery, including:
The average cost to have rotator cuff surgery sits at roughly $22,894 without insurance.In many cases, this procedure is considered elective since it does not directly treat any disease. Because of this, manyinsurance providerswill not cover the cost.
What Can I Do to Make Sure I’m Covered?Aside from getting an insurance plan that specifically states that this procedure is covered, you can speak to your healthcare provider about the medical and health implications of your injury. If they can provide the appropriate documentation, you are more likely to be covered for the procedure.
What Can I Do to Make Sure I’m Covered?
Aside from getting an insurance plan that specifically states that this procedure is covered, you can speak to your healthcare provider about the medical and health implications of your injury. If they can provide the appropriate documentation, you are more likely to be covered for the procedure.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Your healthcare provider is tasked with determining which surgery is best for your current situation. In many cases, both procedures are done only if completely necessary. If your shoulder joint is not damaged at all, rotator cuff surgery is a better option. However, if there is damage to the joint, shoulder replacement is likely the best procedure to go with.
In some cases, shoulder replacement surgery may be done following a rotator cuff surgery if it does not fix the issue.
Meeting With a Healthcare ProviderWhen you meet with your healthcare provider, they will give you the options that would be the most effective in treating your specific type of shoulder pain or injury.
Meeting With a Healthcare Provider
When you meet with your healthcare provider, they will give you the options that would be the most effective in treating your specific type of shoulder pain or injury.
Can Shoulder Replacement or Rotator Cuff Surgery Be Used Together?
A shoulder replacement surgery may be done at the same time as rotator cuff repair. This is because shoulder replacement surgery requires the tendons and muscles in the rotator cuff to help hold the implants in place.Joint damage and tears in the rotator cuff may also occur simultaneously.
That said, the extent of the rotator cuff injury matters when considering both surgeries at the same time. Research has shown thatsmaller tears in the rotator cuffequate to a better overall outcome than larger ones.
The type of shoulder replacement also matters. Smaller tears in the rotator cuff can be repaired during total shoulder replacement, however, the repair of medium and large tears is better suited for people undergoing reverse shoulder replacement surgery.
Benefits of Combined SurgeriesIf you are undergoing a rotator cuff repair at the same time as a shoulder replacement surgery, it eliminates the need for two surgeries.
Benefits of Combined Surgeries
If you are undergoing a rotator cuff repair at the same time as a shoulder replacement surgery, it eliminates the need for two surgeries.
Coping With Side Effects
The side effects of both a rotator cuff surgery and shoulder replacement are similar and include swelling,pain, and limited shoulder function. Shoulder function will be restored over time usingspecialized exercisesand movements. The pain and swelling can be alleviated through the use of over-the-counter or prescribed pain medications and icing the affected area.
After surgery, your arm will be kept in a sling so that your shoulder moves as little as possible to help in the healing process. While recovery can take a while, it’s important to follow all of your healthcare provider’s advice following surgery to help reduce the chance of complications.
How Long Is Recovery?The entire recovery process for a shoulder replacement, including physical therapy, can take as long as six months.For rotator cuff surgery, recovery time is typically four to six months.
How Long Is Recovery?
The entire recovery process for a shoulder replacement, including physical therapy, can take as long as six months.For rotator cuff surgery, recovery time is typically four to six months.
Understanding the Possible Risks and Complications of Surgery
Summary
Rotator cuff surgery and shoulder replacement surgery are viable options for shoulder injuries and pain. Shoulder replacement removes part or all of the shoulder joint to replace it with artificial implants, whereas rotator cuff surgery repairs tears or injuries.
If the rotator cuff is damaged beyond repair, shoulder replacement surgery is not an option because the cuff is required to help hold the new joint in place. If the damage can be fixed, medical providers may opt for rotator cuff surgery before sending you for a total shoulder replacement. The procedures can also be combined to tackle damage to the shoulder joint and a rotator cuff injury.
As with other surgeries, there are side effects associated with both procedures. They can include pain and swelling in the area and limited movement capabilities. To ensure that recovery goes smoothly, people are advised to take pain medications as instructed and avoid movement as much as possible.
A Word From Verywell
Shoulder pain is highly common but that doesn’t make it any easier to cope with. When you have limited range of motion, even simple tasks can feel impossible. The good news is that there are options for you if you contend with this type of pain every day.
If you are experiencing any type of shoulder pain or injury, it may be worth it to explore surgical options with your medical care provider. In many people, surgery can fix the issue and restore complete function to the shoulder.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNot all shoulder replacement surgeries will include the repair of a damaged rotator cuff. This is because, if the rotator cuff is strong enough to hold the implants in place, the repair isn’t likely required. However, if the damage to the rotator cuff compromises the integrity of the joint replacement, the two procedures can be done simultaneously.Not everyone who undergoes rotator cuff surgery will need to eventually have a shoulder replacement. However, in some cases, it is necessary. Your personal circumstances will dictate whether or not you’ll need one or both surgeries at some point in your life.Pain is a likely side effect of both surgeries. However, the severity of the pain in shoulder replacement isn’t the same as it is with rotator cuff surgery. In fact, research has found that rotator cuff surgery, even though it is often less complicated, comes with more pain in the 24 hours after surgery is completed.
Not all shoulder replacement surgeries will include the repair of a damaged rotator cuff. This is because, if the rotator cuff is strong enough to hold the implants in place, the repair isn’t likely required. However, if the damage to the rotator cuff compromises the integrity of the joint replacement, the two procedures can be done simultaneously.
Not everyone who undergoes rotator cuff surgery will need to eventually have a shoulder replacement. However, in some cases, it is necessary. Your personal circumstances will dictate whether or not you’ll need one or both surgeries at some point in your life.
Pain is a likely side effect of both surgeries. However, the severity of the pain in shoulder replacement isn’t the same as it is with rotator cuff surgery. In fact, research has found that rotator cuff surgery, even though it is often less complicated, comes with more pain in the 24 hours after surgery is completed.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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