Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Colorado Springs
Medically reviewed by John C. Redfern, MD, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Shoulder replacement surgery (shoulder arthroplasty) replaces the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with an implant to relieve arthritis pain and restore function. Dr. John Redfern, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Colorado Springs, performs total, reverse, and revision shoulder replacement.
When Shoulder Pain Stops Responding
Most shoulder problems don’t need a replacement. Physical therapy, activity changes, injections, and arthroscopic procedures resolve many of the shoulder conditions Dr. Redfern treats. But when the cartilage in the joint itself has worn away, or a long-standing rotator cuff tear has changed the mechanics of the shoulder, those measures can stop working. Pain that wakes you at night, stiffness that keeps you from reaching overhead or behind your back, and a shoulder that no longer responds to therapy or injections are the signs that it may be time to talk about replacement.
What Is Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)?
In shoulder replacement surgery, the worn surfaces of the ball-and-socket joint are removed and replaced with smooth implant components. Depending on the condition of your rotator cuff and bone, Dr. Redfern may recommend one of two approaches: anatomic total shoulder replacement, which recreates the shoulder’s natural shape, or reverse total shoulder replacement, which changes the joint’s geometry so the deltoid muscle can power the arm when the rotator cuff cannot. Each is covered in depth on its own page: Total Shoulder Replacement and Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement, or see the side-by-side comparison.
Am I a Candidate?
Candidacy comes down to three questions: how much the joint surface is damaged, what shape your rotator cuff is in, and what you’ve already tried. You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement if you have advanced shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy (a large tear that has led to arthritis), a complex fracture, or a prior replacement that isn’t working the way it should, and conservative treatment is no longer controlling your pain. The only way to know is an evaluation: Dr. Redfern reviews your imaging and history with you directly and walks through every option, surgical and nonsurgical, before any decision is made.
The Implant: Why Dr. Redfern Uses the InSet® System
Dr. Redfern performs shoulder replacement using the InSet® system from Shoulder Innovations, a company focused exclusively on shoulder replacement. The InSet® design takes a different approach from traditional implants: the socket-side component is seated into the bone rather than resting on its surface, a design intended to improve implant stability, and the system is engineered to preserve more of your natural bone. Preserving bone matters for the long term, because it keeps more options open if the implant ever needs attention years down the road. During your consultation, Dr. Redfern can show you exactly what the implant looks like and explain why he selected it for your anatomy.
What to Expect: From Consultation to Recovery
Every patient’s plan is different, but the arc is similar. Before surgery, imaging is used to plan the procedure around your specific anatomy. The surgery itself typically takes one to two hours, and depending on your health and home support, many patients today go home the same day or after one night. Your arm is protected in a sling for the first several weeks while the shoulder begins healing, then physical therapy progressively restores motion and strength. Many patients are using their arm for daily activities within a few months, with strength continuing to build beyond that. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient, and Dr. Redfern’s team guides you through each phase.
Risks and Honest Expectations
Shoulder replacement is a major surgery, and it’s not the right choice for everyone. As with any joint replacement, risks include infection, implant loosening or wear over time, nerve injury, stiffness, and, particularly with reverse replacement, dislocation. Dr. Redfern will discuss these openly, along with what replacement realistically can and cannot restore for your specific shoulder. Individual results vary.
Why a Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Specialist
Dr. Redfern is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon practicing with Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. His practice covers the full continuum of shoulder care, which means replacement is never the reflexive answer: patients who can be treated arthroscopically or nonsurgically are, and patients who need a replacement get a surgeon who performs the full range, including revision of replacements done elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a shoulder replacement?
Persistent pain and loss of function from shoulder arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy, despite physical therapy, medications, or injections, are the most common reasons to evaluate shoulder replacement. Imaging and an exam with a shoulder surgeon confirm whether you’re a candidate.
What is the InSet® shoulder replacement system?
InSet® is a shoulder replacement implant system from Shoulder Innovations. Its socket component is seated into the bone rather than on its surface, a design intended to improve stability, and the system is designed to preserve more natural bone than traditional implants.
Is shoulder replacement an outpatient surgery?
For many patients, yes. Depending on overall health and support at home, shoulder replacement is often performed on a same-day or one-night basis. Dr. Redfern will discuss which setting is appropriate for you.
Does insurance cover shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement for arthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy is generally covered by insurance, including Medicare, when medically necessary. Coverage details vary by plan; our office verifies your benefits before scheduling surgery.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Redfern
If shoulder pain is limiting your life, an evaluation will tell you exactly where you stand and every option available to you.