The risks of delaying shoulder replacement surgery include:
- further deterioration of your shoulder joint
- increased shoulder stiffness and weakness
- worsening pain, leading to greater reliance on other body parts (such as your back and other shoulder)
- bone erosion (caused by two surfaces grinding together) can make shoulder surgery far more challenging if there is a defect in the bone or not enough bone to anchor the implants
These risks can lead to related complications such as a more sedentary lifestyle, muscle atrophy, bone loss, and weight gain. It’s important to note that these complications can also affect your recovery when you do decide to have shoulder replacement surgery.
Talk with your doctor about your need for shoulder replacement surgery. They can assess whether you need a total or partial shoulder replacement and provide recommendations for the optimum timeline for replacement.
Research studies, such as these from
According to UCSF Health, many people who have had the procedure are able to return to their daily activities and low impact sports without pain.
Dr. Paul J. Ghattas, a board certified orthopedic surgeon, noted that many people who have had the surgery wish they had undergone the procedure earlier to avoid years of discomfort.
A 2020 review of studies found that shoulder replacements have a “sustained and positive effect” on people’s lives for approximately 10 years after surgery. This includes:
- 92% of total replacement surgeries
- 94% of reverse total shoulder replacements
- 85% of humeral hemiarthroplasties (commonly used for fractures of the humeral head)
You may be able to manage less severe shoulder issues with the following alternatives to surgery:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy may help improve shoulder strength and mobility.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation, although you should avoid long-term use.
- Cortisone injections: Corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief, but repeated use can weaken tendons.
- Regenerative therapies: Platelet-rich plasma treatments and stem cell therapy may be an option for people with mild joint damage.
- Arthroscopic surgery: This less-invasive type of surgery may be recommended for people with rotator cuff and labral tears.
- Genicular nerve blocks: These may be an option for people with chronic pain who are not surgical candidates.
Next steps
It’s important to consult a doctor or shoulder specialist to diagnose your shoulder issue and to determine the appropriate treatment.
A number of factors determine whether to have shoulder replacement surgery, including your age, health, and diagnosis. You’ll want to understand all the potential benefits and downsides to make a well-informed choice.