Shoulder Replacement
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Dr. Matthew Pifer
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon & Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon located in Santa Barbara, CA
Deciding to have shoulder replacement surgery means you won’t have to live with shoulder limitations or pain any longer. In Santa Barbara, California, a trusted shoulder specialist, Matthew Pifer, MD, performs numerous total shoulder replacement surgeries with great success. Whether you have arthritis, a torn rotator cuff, a dislocated shoulder, or another shoulder issue that requires you to go through a shoulder replacement procedure, Dr. Pifer always welcomes new patients. Call the office or use the online booking feature, to schedule your first appointment.
Shoulder Replacement Q & A
What is a total shoulder replacement?
You’re generally considered a candidate for a total shoulder replacement if you have bone-on-bone damage, possibly from osteoarthritis or a chronically torn rotator cuff.
When Dr. Pifer performs a total shoulder replacement surgery he replaces all of the damaged surfaces in your shoulder joint.
Why would I need a reverse shoulder replacement?
If you have a major rotator cuff injury or tear, you could be in need of a reverse shoulder replacement procedure. A traditional total shoulder replacement replaces your ball and socket joint with artificial parts, without changing the anatomy of your shoulder.
While a reverse shoulder replacement is similar, Dr. Pifer simply reverses the ball and socket placement.
He attaches the ball to your socket, then creates a new artificial socket at the top of your humerus, or upper arm bone.
This type of shoulder replacement is beneficial for men and women who have rotator cuff issues because rather than relying on your rotator cuff muscles for arm movement, you start using different muscles.
With the reverse shoulder replacement, your deltoid muscles power your arm movements instead, which takes the pressure off your rotator cuff.
How is an anatomical shoulder replacement performed?
When arthritis pain and damage makes even a simple daily task almost impossible, it’s time to consider an anatomical shoulder replacement surgery. As a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pifer finds exactly which components of your shoulder are weak and damaged from arthritis.
Using state-of-the-art modern materials, he seamlessly replaces bone or cartilage with implants. Usually, these implants are made of plastic or metal, depending on your needs. As you start recovering and going through physical therapy, your pain level continues to decrease, since you have a newly reconstructed shoulder.
Schedule a consultation with Matthew Pifer, MD, to learn more about shoulder replacement and if it’s right for you. You can either call the office or schedule in moments online.
