Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement Overview

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint and cartilage is the protective lining within the joint. Working together, they allow fluid range of motion. Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage begins to wear away. Symptoms of shoulder arthritis includes persistent pain, inflammation and swelling. Patients suffering from advanced shoulder arthritis that have tried conservative shoulder treatments such as medication, physical therapy and in some cases, arthroscopic surgery—without relief—may be candidates for anatomic shoulder replacement surgery.

Dr. Peter Millett has created an alternative for young active patients with advanced osteoarthritis. The comprehensive arthroscopic management (CAM) procedure is an innovative treatment technique that delays total shoulder replacement. This minimally invasive procedure preserves the shoulder joint, decreases pain, improves function, and delays the need for shoulder replacement surgery.

Pre-Operative

(Click to Enlarge)

Post-Operative

(Click to Enlarge)

Are you a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery?

There are two ways to initiate a consultation with Dr. Millett:

You can provide current X-rays and/or MRIs for a clinical case review ($250).

You can schedule an office consultation with Dr. Millett.

Request Case Review or Office Consultation

Treatment Options for Shoulder Arthritis

Surgical Treatment

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement

Anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery is a joint replacement procedure. Typically, Dr. Millett will suggest this treatment for patients who are suffering form extreme arthritic conditions. Anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged bone and cartilage with a plastic or metal implant. A metal ball is used to replace the humeral head, while a polyethylene cup becomes the replacement of the glenoid socket. The indication for a total shoulder replacement is pain that will not imporve with non-operative treatment. Although arthritis is usually the primary condition that leads to a total shoulder replacement surgery, other abnormalities may also benefit from the procedure such as severe fractures and other degenerative disorders. The primary goal of total shoulder replacement surgery is to alleviate pain while improving motion, strength and function.

Anatomic Shoulder Replacement

Arthrex Shoulder Arthroplasty with Virtual Implant Positioning™ (VIP) Preoperative Planning System

One of the shoulder replacement options Dr. Millett offers is the Arthrex shoulder arthroplasty with virtual implant positioning (VIP) – a preoperative planning system. The VIP™ system, is redefining total shoulder arthroplasty with patient-specific preoperative planning and reusable instrumentation. This technology helps Dr. Millett select and place shoulder implants with greater precision and reproducibility. This leads to improved outcomes for his patients with less pain, more range of motion and a better over-all function of the joint to give patients a better quality of life.

You can download the patient brochure here: virtual-implant-positioning-vip-preoperative-planning-system

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

A relatively new technique is a reverse shoulder replacement. This technique was designed for individuals who are not candidates for a total shoulder replacement because of two underlying conditions—a torn rotator cuff and shoulder arthritis (sometimes caused by the torn rotator cuff). Similar to a total shoulder replacement, the reverse shoulder replacement also uses a metal or plastic ball and socket device, but the ball is placed on the shoulder blade, and the socket is placed on top of the arm bone. The name “reverse shoulder replacement” was given to this procedure because it is the reverse of the body’s normal anatomy.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Joint Preservation and Cartilage Restoration Procedures for the Shoulder (CAM Procedure)

An alternative to arthroscopic surgery is joint preservation and cartilage restoration for the shoulder. In cartilage restoration, the shoulder joint tissue is, in essence, regrown or transplanted from donated tissue. For some patients, arthroscopy only provides temporary relief because of other underlying factors and damage to the cartilage. In cartilage restoration of the shoulder, the injured tissue is replaced with healthy cartilage from either the patient’s own body or a donor cadaver which biologically restores the joint. This procedure, while less common, has positive results for patients who are candidates.

After Shoulder Arthritis Surgery

Therapy may or may not begin immediately upon leaving the hospital after your shoulder replacement surgery. You will be instructed if you can do pendulum exercises on your own and you may see a therapist in the hospital for therapy. This depends on the type of surgery you have. You can use your arm from the elbow down but no active motion of the shoulder until ordered by us. We will review this with you on your first visit after surgery.

For more information on shoulder arthritis, or to determine if you are a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery, please contact the office of Dr. Peter Millett.

Am I Candidate for Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

What is my Alternative to Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

What are my Treatment Options for Shoulder Osteoarthritis?

What Options Exist for Young Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder?

Peter Millett, MD

Average rating:

39 reviews

Alexandra Thompson

Mar 23, 2024

by Alexandra Thompson on Peter Millett, MD

110%

Dr. Millett and his team did a SLAP tear repair and bicep tenodesis on my left shoulder. I use my arms as an artist, and love to swim in the ocean, surf, paddle, and telemark ski. So regaining full use of my shoulder and keeping my bicep attached was very important to me. Now, over two years later, my shoulder has the equivalent range of motion as my other arm and as before the injury, and no pain. After the first three months it felt so good and was so strong that - to my horror - I completely forgot my six-month follow-up.

Not only did Dr. Millett and his team make my arm as good as new, but having had the experience of such kindness and expertise throughout the process of surgery and recovery is like an added shoulder superpower.

Thank you Rita, Brooke, Jason, Sarah, Camille, Olivia, Dr. Millett and everyone! And see you soon when my husband comes in for his knee...

Jeff Chandler

Jan 31, 2022

by Jeff Chandler on Peter Millett, MD

Flawless procedure, Easy recovery

Dr. Millet's repaired my knee and tibia, following a botched operation by a different surgeon. That procedure was virtually pain free and I was weight bearing within a few days. That was 18 years ago and the knee is still strong. A few years after the knee incident, Dr Millet repaired my shoulder. My insurance company approved me for 3 months of disability following that surgery. I was off pain medication in 2 days and had 90% range of motion within a week. I withdrew my disability claim and returned to work within two weeks of surgery. I’m not a famous athlete—just a regular guy. Nonetheless, I was treated like an NFL at the Steadman clinic. Most notable was the time for recovery. Other surgeons perform their hour-long task in the OR and don’t involve themselves in the other functions. Peter and his team manages the entire process from diagnosis, anesthesia, nursing care, and therapy. He takes a holistic approach to patient care and doesn’t skip any steps.

Jenn West

Jul 2, 2021

by Jenn West on Peter Millett, MD

Saved My Life

I went to Dr. Millett after 7 knee surgeries (6 on my right and 1 on my left) and had seen 11 different surgeons who all refused to remove femur metal from my right leg. I am highly allergic to metal and the chronic pain was leaving me bedridden for 3.5wks out of a month. He personally wrote me back on my inquiry, listened to my concerns, scheduled my surgery within a week (due to insurance issues) and personally followed up with my recovery. The level of patient care from Dr. Millett and his ENTIRE team is above any care I have ever received in my 20 years of dealing with orthopedic surgeons. There are not enough words to describe the level of care, dedication and professionalism you receive from Dr. Millett and his staff.
My only disappointment is that I did not find him sooner!!!