Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Replacement in Maryland & the DC Metro Area

Our fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons serving Maryland and the DC Metro Area specialize in anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement, restoring function and relieving pain for patients with advanced shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

← All Joint Replacement

Understanding Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder replacement (shoulder arthroplasty) removes the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder joint and replaces them with prosthetic components. The type of replacement — anatomic or reverse — depends on the condition of the rotator cuff and the pattern of arthritis. At Precision Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained surgeons serving Maryland and the DC Metro Area use patient-specific 3D planning to optimize implant sizing and positioning for every shoulder replacement. Learn more about our full range of joint replacement services.

When to Consider Shoulder Replacement

Our Shoulder Replacement Team

Roy Carls, MD
 Schedule Online →
Satheesh Ramineni, MD
 Schedule Online →
Matthew Thompson, MD
 Schedule Online →
Types of Total Shoulder Replacements

Anatomic Total Shoulder

Replaces the ball and socket in their natural configuration. Best for patients with an intact rotator cuff.

  • Preserves natural shoulder mechanics
  • Excellent pain relief and range of motion
  • Requires a functional rotator cuff
  • Ideal for primary glenohumeral arthritis

Reverse Total Shoulder

Switches the ball and socket positions, allowing the deltoid muscle to power arm elevation when the rotator cuff is deficient.

  • Does not rely on the rotator cuff
  • Restores overhead reach and function
  • Standard for rotator cuff tear arthropathy
  • Used for complex fractures and revisions
Flexible Options

Self-Pay Total Shoulder Replacement Package

We offer a transparent, all-inclusive self-pay package for total shoulder replacement. The package includes your Precision surgeon's fee, the surgical facility fee, the anesthesia fee, the cost of the implant, ROSA robot fee (if applicable), and initial post-op visits in our clinic and physical therapy offices. These cases are performed at Charles Regional Surgical Center. This facility is an outpatient surgical facility and your surgeon will evaluate if your surgical case is appropriate for outpatient.

The package price is $25,000, with that amount due at the time of scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Replacement

Answers to common questions about total shoulder replacement surgery and recovery.

Common warning signs include deep shoulder pain during activity, progressive stiffness that limits how high you can raise your arm, and pain that interferes with sleep. Other symptoms to watch for include:

  • Grinding or crepitus (a crunching sensation) with shoulder movement
  • Weakness that makes everyday tasks like dressing or reaching overhead difficult
  • Pain with reaching behind your back or across your body
  • Progressive loss of range of motion that worsens over time
  • Failure to improve with medications, injections, or physical therapy

The two most common reasons for shoulder replacement are glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Other conditions that may require shoulder replacement include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder
  • Post-traumatic arthritis following a fracture or dislocation
  • Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) of the humeral head
  • A chronic massive rotator cuff tear with progressive joint arthritis
  • A failed prior shoulder surgery requiring revision
  • Severe proximal humerus fracture in select patients

We offer two main types of shoulder replacement, each designed for different clinical situations. The choice depends on the condition of your rotator cuff and the pattern of joint damage:

  • Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement — replaces the ball and socket in their natural configuration; best for patients with an intact rotator cuff and primary glenohumeral arthritis
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement — switches the ball and socket positions so the deltoid powers arm elevation; the standard choice when the rotator cuff is torn or deficient
Anatomic total shoulder replacement replaces the ball-and-socket in their natural configuration and is best for patients with intact rotator cuffs. Reverse total shoulder replacement switches the ball and socket positions, allowing the deltoid muscle to power the arm when the rotator cuff is torn or deficient.
  • Day of surgery: Gentle pendulum exercises begin with therapist guidance
  • 1 to 6 weeks: Sling immobilization; passive range-of-motion exercises
  • 6 to 12 weeks: Active-assisted and active range of motion begins
  • 3 months: Active use of the arm for most daily activities
  • 6 months: Full recovery for most patients; return to recreational activities
Many patients return to low-impact activities such as golf, swimming, and tennis doubles. Your surgeon will provide personalized activity guidelines based on your specific procedure and recovery progress.
Modern shoulder replacements typically last 15 to 20 years or more. Reverse total shoulder implants have shown excellent survival rates in long-term studies.
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy occurs when a large, chronic rotator cuff tear leads to abnormal joint mechanics and progressive cartilage wear. Reverse total shoulder replacement is the standard surgical treatment for this condition.

Related Specialties

Total Joint Replacement Shoulder Physical Therapy

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Make an Appointment →