Total Shoulder Replacement
Relief for Severe Shoulder Arthritis & Irreparable Rotator Cuff Damage
When chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness continues despite physical therapy, medications, and injections, shoulder replacement can restore mobility and dramatically improve quality of life. Dr. Ralph Rizk is highly experienced in both Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement and Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement, selecting the best option based on your shoulder structure, rotator cuff health, and activity goals.
When to Consider Shoulder Replacement
You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement if you have:
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Severe shoulder arthritis that limits daily activities
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Pain that persists at rest or disrupts sleep
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Irreparable rotator cuff tears causing weakness or loss of motion
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Grinding, catching, or stiffness that hasn't improved with non-surgical care
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Difficulty lifting your arm overhead or away from the body
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Loss of shoulder function that affects work, dressing, hobbies, or sports
If these symptoms continue despite conservative treatment, replacement may offer long-lasting relief.
Understanding the Two Types of Shoulder Replacement
The most important factor in choosing your procedure is the condition of your rotator cuff tendons. Healthy rotator cuff → Anatomic. Irreparable rotator cuff → Reverse.
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement (TSR)
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Best for patients with intact or repairable rotator cuff tendons and shoulder arthritis.
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The implants replicate the normal ball-and-socket anatomy. A plastic component is placed in the socket (glenoid), and a metal ball is placed on the humeral head (arm bone).
Patients typically experience:
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Excellent pain relief
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More natural shoulder movement
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Improved rotation
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High long-term durability
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (RTSR)
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Best for patients with cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis combined with a non-functional rotator cuff).
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The anatomy is reversed: the ball is fixed to the socket, and the plastic cup is fixed to the arm bone. This allows the strong deltoid muscle to lift the arm without a functional rotator cuff.
Patients typically experience:
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Ability to lift the arm again using the deltoid
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Significant reduction in pain
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Better overhead function
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Reliable outcomes, even in severe degeneration
Shoulder Replacement Process & Recovery
Dr. Rizk performs shoulder replacement through a meticulous approach that:
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Preserves as much healthy tissue as possible
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Balances soft tissues for stability
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Uses advanced implants designed for long-term durability
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Minimizes trauma for efficient recovery
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Patients go home the same day or next morning in most cases.
Recovery Timeline:
0–4 Weeks: Protection & Early Motion
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Sling use to protect the joint
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Gentle passive movement guided by physical therapy
4–10 Weeks: Strengthening Phase
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Restoring controlled motion
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Beginning strengthening of the deltoid and surrounding muscles
10+ Weeks: Functional Progress
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Return to daily activities
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Continued gains in strength and range of motion
Most patients achieve peak improvement between 4–6 months, with steady progress for up to a year.
Why Trust Dr. Rizk with Your Orthopedic Muscle, Bone and Joint Health?
Finding the right orthopedic specialist is the most critical step toward a successful recovery. With Dr. Rizk, you are entrusting your care to a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon whose dedication is not just to surgical excellence—it's to personalized care.
His approach always begins with exploring conservative, non-surgical treatment options first. He leverages the latest, most advanced techniques in orthopedic care, reconstruction, and sports medicine to ensure your treatment plan is tailored precisely to your injury, activity level, and recovery goals. Whether you're an athlete looking to get back in the game or someone who wants to walk comfortably around the neighborhood, Dr. Rizk is committed to restoring your mobility and quality of life. His practice is deeply rooted in serving the Northeast Florida community, including Jacksonville, Cove Springs and surrounding areas.
Your Shoulder Replacement Questions, Answered.
Recovery is often slightly quicker in the early phases for a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement because the surgeon may not have to repair the rotator cuff. However, both require dedicated physical therapy. The Anatomic TSR focuses on regaining rotation, while the RTSR focuses on regaining elevation (lifting the arm overhead).
Both Anatomic and Reverse replacements have excellent long-term success rates. Most shoulder replacements last 15 to 20 years, and often longer. Avoiding heavy lifting and high-impact activities helps maximize the lifespan of the implant.
You cannot drive while wearing the sling or while taking prescription narcotics. Dr. Rizk will clear you to drive once you have regained sufficient strength and control in the shoulder and arm, which typically takes several weeks.
SHOULDER REPLACEMENT YOU CAN TRUST
Call Dr. Rizk Today
When you've exhausted conservative options and it's time for shoulder replacement, don't wait! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ralph Rizk today and explore surgical options designed to help you move comfortably again.
Patients throughout Jacksonville, Florida and beyond, are welcome to call (904) 731-3131 and schedule an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!