Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement -- although less common than hip or knee replacement -- is just as successful in relieving joint pain due to joint wear. Shoulder replacement may be recommended if you have severe arthritis.
How it is done
Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the arthritic joint surfaces with a highly polished metal ball attached to a stem, and a plastic socket.
Years of experience
Fletcher Allen surgeons have performed shoulder replacement surgery for decades. Patients have the confidence of working with a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced providers.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
With reserve shoulder replacement, the two main pieces of the shoulder (ball and socket) are reversed. This procedure is especially helpful in situations where the rotator cuff cannot be repaired and the joint is worn.
Shoulder anatomy
In a healthy shoulder, the uper arm bone ends in a ball shape. It fits into a socket formed by the shoulder blade. When reversed, the socket is placed on the upper arm bone. The ball portion is attached to the shoulder blade.
Muscles no longer working
This procedure is used for patients whose rotator cuff muscles have degenerated or weakened. They can no longer hold the shoulder joint intact. Arthritis is usually a factor.
The surgery is also used in cases of:
- Revisions to previous surgery
- Failed shoulder replacement
- Shoulder fractures
- Lack of a rotator cuff
