Total Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces a damaged shoulder joint with a prosthetic implant to relieve pain and restore movement in patients with severe arthritis, injury, or other joint conditions. Candidates are typically those whose functional limitations and pain have not improved with medications, injections, or physical therapy.
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Shoulder problems may occur due to damage or injury to the soft tissues of the shoulder, overuse or underuse of the shoulder, resulting in pain and weakness. Shoulder replacement surgery has proven to relieve severe shoulder pain and restore function in the vast majority of patients.
Am I a candidate for shoulder replacement?
Patients are generally considered as potential candidates for shoulder replacement surgery if:
- Functional limitations restrict work, play and routine daily activities
- Pain isn’t relieved by conservative treatment including reduced activity, medication or physical therapy
- Stiffness in the joint is marked and significantly limits the arm’s range of motion
- X-rays that show advanced arthritis or other degenerative problems
What are the risks of surgery?
The complication rate following shoulder replacement surgery is very low. Serious complications occur in less than 2% of patients. As with any major medical procedure, patients are at risk of complications including:
- Bleeding
- Dislocation
- Implant wear and loosening
- Infection
- Nerve injury
How long will my recovery be?
To learn what to expect with your shoulder replacement surgery, download our Total Shoulder Replacement Education Manual (pdf).
Meet your team
OrthoKansas – a regional destination for progressive, multidisciplinary orthopedic care – is your partner for comprehensive, state-of-the-art musculoskeletal care. Turn to the experts in our Total Joint Replacement program for innovative, personalized care close to home, from providers you trust. We’re dedicated to returning you to your active lifestyle as quickly and safely as possible.
Douglass Stull, MD
Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedics, and Sports Medicine
Learn more about Dr. Douglass Stull and the team that cares for you (pdf).
Meet Our Care Team
Douglass E. Stull, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
Dr. Douglass Stull knew from the time he was in sixth grade that being a physician was his calling.
“I had a science class and the teacher had to go on emergency leave. The substitute really only new anatomy & physiology, so we were taught some basics and I completely fell in love. I knew right then that I wanted to be a physician.”
Dr. Stull earned his medical degree from the University of Texas School of Medicine and completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with special interests in all aspects of shoulder and elbow care, including sports injuries, trauma, joint replacement and joint reconstruction.
Dr. Stull was also on the U.S. national team in Modern Pentathlon, competing at the Olympic level, and continues to be involved with the pentathlon by serving on their international medical committee. He also provides collegiate sports medicine coverage to Division I athletes as a team physician for the University of Kansas.
What advice does he have for his patients?
“Get out there and move. Think about what you can do, not what you can’t when you face an injury or disability.”
Erik Henkelman, MD
Sports Medicine
Sarah A. Simpson, PA-C
Orthopedics
Sarah Simpson, PA-C, earned a Bachelor of Science in General Science and Athletic Training from Fort Hays State University and a Bachelor of Physician Assistant from Wichita State University.
“I chose to become a Physician’s Assistant because of my family ties to healthcare and because I love to help people.”
Simpson began working in Orthopedics in 2005 and belongs to the American and Kansas Academy of Physician’s Assistants.
“I chose Orthopedics because I love helping people move without pain and get back to doing what they love.”
