SHOULDER | RENTON & MAPLE VALLEY
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint with smooth artificial components to relieve arthritis pain and improve function. Dr. Matthew Lyons performs anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement in Renton and Maple Valley, Washington.
If shoulder arthritis has reached the point where sleeping through the night is a victory and reaching a high shelf feels out of the question, you are likely already wondering whether shoulder replacement is in your future. Here is the encouraging news: shoulder replacement is a well-established procedure that has helped many people return to the activities that matter to them, and modern techniques give your surgeon more options than ever to match the operation to your specific shoulder.
Dr. Lyons has focused his practice on the shoulder, and shoulder replacement is at the center of that focus. This page explains how the surgery works, the different types, and how to think about whether it might be right for you.
When Is Shoulder Replacement Considered?
Shoulder replacement is generally considered when three things line up:
- Significant joint damage, most often from osteoarthritis, but also from rotator cuff tear arthropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or a severe fracture
- Pain or loss of function that interferes with daily life, including sleep, work, and the activities you care about
- Nonsurgical care has run its course, meaning medications, activity modification, physical therapy, and injections are no longer providing meaningful relief
No two shoulders are the same, and imaging alone does not make the decision. Dr. Lyons weighs your symptoms, your goals, and your overall health alongside the X-rays.
The Types of Shoulder Replacement
There are two main forms of shoulder replacement, and choosing the right one for the right shoulder is one of the most important decisions in shoulder surgery.
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
An anatomic total shoulder replacement resurfaces the joint the way it was built: a smooth metal ball where your natural ball (humeral head) was, and a durable plastic socket where your natural socket (glenoid) was. It relies on a healthy rotator cuff to power the shoulder, which makes it well suited to patients with arthritis and an intact cuff. Learn more on the total shoulder replacement page.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
A reverse total shoulder replacement switches the positions: the ball is fixed to the socket side, and the socket component sits atop the arm bone. This clever reversal lets the deltoid muscle take over much of the work of a damaged rotator cuff. It is often the choice for cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, certain complex fractures, and revision situations. Learn more on the reverse shoulder replacement page.
Not sure which applies to you? The reverse versus anatomic comparison article walks through how surgeons think about the choice.
What Happens During Surgery
Shoulder replacement is typically performed under a combination of regional nerve block and general anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. Dr. Lyons removes the damaged joint surfaces, prepares the bone, and positions the implants to restore the mechanics of your shoulder. Depending on your health and insurance, the procedure may be performed as an outpatient surgery or with a short hospital stay; Dr. Lyons will discuss which setting is appropriate for you.
The Implant System Dr. Lyons Uses
For both anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement, Dr. Lyons uses the InSet® shoulder system from Shoulder Innovations, and every case is planned in advance with CT-based 3D software so component size and position are decided before surgery begins. The design details, and why they matter for each procedure, are covered on the total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement pages.
Recovery at a Glance
Every recovery is individual, and Dr. Lyons will give you a plan specific to your shoulder. In general terms, most patients wear a sling for the first several weeks, begin gentle motion early under the guidance of a physical therapist, and progress to strengthening over the following months. Many everyday activities come back gradually across the first few months, with continued gains often seen up to a year. The recovery timeline article covers what this period typically looks like week by week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery removes the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint and replaces them with metal and plastic components. The goal is to relieve arthritis pain and improve the shoulder’s function.
How long does shoulder replacement surgery take?
The operation itself usually takes one to two hours. Plan for a longer day overall, including anesthesia preparation and recovery-room time afterward.
How successful is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement is a well-established procedure with a long track record, and published studies report high rates of pain relief and patient satisfaction. Individual results vary, and Dr. Lyons will discuss what is realistic for your specific shoulder.
How common is shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement is one of the fastest-growing joint replacement procedures in the United States, with published national analyses estimating more than one hundred thousand performed each year and reverse replacement accounting for a growing share.
How long does a shoulder replacement last?
Published long-term studies report that many shoulder replacements continue functioning well beyond fifteen years. Longevity depends on factors including implant type, bone quality, and activity level, which Dr. Lyons will review with you.
Will I need a reverse or an anatomic replacement?
It depends primarily on the condition of your rotator cuff and your bone anatomy. An exam and imaging give Dr. Lyons the information needed to recommend the option that fits your shoulder.
What implant does Dr. Lyons use?
Dr. Lyons uses the InSet® shoulder system from Shoulder Innovations for both anatomic and reverse replacement. Its socket component is seated within the supporting bone rather than on top of it, a design developed to improve fixation, and its bone-preserving components keep future options open.
If shoulder pain is limiting your life, an evaluation is the logical next step. Request an appointment at the Renton or Maple Valley office.
Take the Next Step
Request an appointment at the Renton or Maple Valley office.