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What is Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR) or Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA)?

Who is an ideal candidate for this treatment?

If you are considering a total shoulder replacement (TSR), it is important to know that both the ball (humerus) and the socket (glenoid) of the joint of the patient are damaged before surgery. TSR treats both sides of the joint, while partial focuses on just one side. The primary causes for patients to seek TSR are severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that has led to significant pain and stiffness in these areas, which may result in a loss of motion. However, in many cases, the rotator cuff remains intact or can be repaired. 

Do I need help? Possible Signs

  • Grinding, “popping” sensations (crepitus), or catching sensations (bone-on-bone arthritis).
  • Severe loss of motion, an inability to lift their arm above shoulder height.
  • Pain keeps you awake at night and has not responded well to more conservative treatments (ice, rest, NSAIDs, therapy, or injections).

Your shoulder pain doesn’t have to define your life. Even if both sides of the shoulder joint are damaged, we can help you get back to reaching, lifting, and sleeping comfortably again.

Book your appointment by calling (817) 926-BONE (2663)

What to expect before surgery?

  • Compassionate Care
  • Thorough Examination & Personalized Treatment Plan
  • Patient’s Goals Discussed & Straight Answers to Difficult Questions
  • Support You Can Count On

Non-Surgical options

  • Physical therapy – Strengthens the surrounding “helper” muscles.
  • Anti-inflammatory medications – Taken to manage daily inflammation.
  • Injections – Cortisone injections or hyaluronic acid are given to lower pain and increase the range of motion.
  • Activity modification – Swapping high-impact activities for low-impact ones.

Disclaimer
*Before recommending Partial Shoulder Replacement, we will always explore conservative routes whenever possible and will determine if the damage to your shoulder requires a full or partial shoulder replacement.

Definition of Treatments:

The Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR) removes the damaged bone. Then, replaces the Humeral head (ball) with medical-grade prosthetic metal components, and lastly lines the Glenoid (socket) with a smooth plastic (polyethylene) cover. The TSR is a complete “re-surfacing” of the entire joint

FAQs

Mobility

The TSR offers the best arthritis-related stiffness and pain relief, and the smoothest “natural/predictable” range of motion because the two smooth surfaces of the ball and socket rub together with ease.

Risk of Recurrence

Full shoulder replacement has an extremely minimal risk of “wearing out” the socket (since it’s plastic), but in rare cases, the plastic can eventually loosen, and even lower risk if the provider treats the arthritis.

Cosmetic Consideration

The incision for total and partial shoulder replacement is the same for both procedures, featuring a single incision (typically 4–6 inches long) at the front of the shoulder. Modern suturing techniques, such as subcuticular stitches, minimize scar size and enhance its visibility over time.

Recovery Timeline

  • Recovering from a total shoulder replacement requires careful management during the first 6 weeks to protect and heal the joint. During this time, it’s important to wear a sling and limit yourself to passive movements only.
  • In the next 6 weeks, you can start active motion as the sling is removed, allowing you to lift your own arm. Rehabilitation and strengthening exercises using resistance bands and light weights typically continue for 3-6 months.
  • Full recovery and maximum strength are usually achieved within 6-12 months.

Considerations/Risks

Typical
  • Infection is always a standard risk for any joint replacement.
  • Severe stiffness or the “frozen shoulder” effect can occur if physical therapy is not followed.
  • Nerve Injury: Temporary numbness in the arm.
Atypical
  • Implant failure or fracture around the implant.
  • Chronic pain or limited improvement.
  • Glenoid Loosening can occur when the plastic socket comes unglued from the bone after several years.
  • Dependence on rotator cuff integrity

Disclaimer
*This information is for general educational purposes only. It does not replace the personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or prognosis of a licensed physician.

Why Choose Lone Star?

  • Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeons with Exceptional Expertise
  • Advanced Surgical Techniques and Technology
  • Reputation for Patient-Centered Care and Results
  • Collaborative Care Team Approach

Book Your Appointment Today

Stop managing the pain and start managing your life. If your shoulder is holding you back from the things you love, it’s time for an expert opinion. Get a clear diagnosis (total or partial shoulder replacement) with confidence, knowing you are getting the best treatment possible, and a personalized plan for recovery so you can move pain-free.

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