Shoulder Labral Repair

Arthroscopic repair of the torn cartilage rim of the shoulder socket, including SLAP repair and stabilization after dislocation.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Total Shoulder Replacement

Replacement of the worn ball and socket of the shoulder with a metal ball and polyethylene socket, for arthritis with an intact rotator cuff.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

A shoulder replacement that swaps the ball and socket positions so the deltoid can power the arm when the rotator cuff is torn beyond repair.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Camera-guided surgery through small incisions to diagnose and treat shoulder problems: impingement, bone spurs, loose bodies, biceps tendon issues and more.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

ACL Reconstruction

Rebuilding a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a tendon graft, arthroscopically, to restore a stable knee for pivoting sports and active life.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Meniscus Repair

Arthroscopic stitching of a torn meniscus back together when the tear can heal, or trimming the torn piece when it cannot.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Knee Arthroscopy

Camera-guided knee surgery through small incisions for meniscus tears, loose bodies, cartilage flaps and kneecap problems.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Cartilage Restoration

Procedures that repair or regrow damaged articular cartilage in the knee, from cell-based restoration to cartilage autograft and allograft transplantation, for focal defects.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Biologic Treatments

Injections of platelet-rich plasma and related preparations from your own blood or tissue to support healing of tendons and joints, as an alternative or complement to surgery.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

Regenerative Medicine

Evidence-first evaluation of stem cell-based and other biologic treatments for tendon, ligament, cartilage and joint conditions, with honest guidance on what the research supports.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

MCL Reconstruction

Repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee for severe tears, persistent instability and combined ligament injuries.

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Shoulder and Sports Medicine

MPFL Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with a tendon graft to stop recurrent kneecap dislocations and restore patellar stability.

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What it is

Total Shoulder Replacement

In an anatomic total shoulder replacement, the worn ball is replaced with a polished metal head on a stem and the socket is resurfaced with a smooth polyethylene component.

The design mirrors your own anatomy.It relies on an intact rotator cuff to move the new joint, which is the key difference from a reverse replacement.

At a glance

SettingSame day or 1 night

AnesthesiaGeneral + nerve block

Surgery timeAbout 2 hours

Daily useWithin 6 weeks

Performed by

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

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or call801-640-0000

Total Shoulder Replacement

Who It Helps

Candidates have shoulder arthritis with pain that limits sleep and daily use despite therapy, anti-inflammatories and injections, and an intact, functioning rotator cuff on imaging.Most patients are over sixty, though younger patients with severe arthritis are treated case by case.

Total Shoulder Replacement

What to Expect

Surgery takes about two hours under general anesthesia with a nerve block.Many patients go home the same day or after one night.Dr. Taylor completed a dedicated shoulder and elbow fellowship and plans each replacement from a CT scan of your shoulder.Shoulder replacement is planned from a CT scan taken locally, and most patients are home in Provo or Orem the same day or the next morning. Dr. Taylor and Dr. Christensen operate at Utah Valley Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Recovery Timeline

A sling for about four weeks with early pendulum motion, then guided therapy.Light daily use returns within six weeks, driving at about four to six weeks, and most strength by six months.Pain relief from arthritis is typically dramatic and early. Range of motion keeps improving through the first year.

Milestones

Week 1Pendulum motion in sling

Week 4Sling off, driving

Week 6Light daily use

Month 6Most strength back

Total Shoulder Replacement

Risks and Considerations

Loosening of the socket component over many years is the main long-term concern, which is why we counsel younger, heavier-use patients carefully.Rotator cuff failure later in life can convert the problem to one treated with a reverse replacement.Infection, nerve injury, fracture and blood clots are uncommon but real and are discussed before surgery.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Your Surgeons

Dr. Taylor and Dr. Christensen perform this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, American Fork Hospital, Spanish Fork Hospital and Mountain View Hospital.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Total Shoulder Replacement

Related Procedures and Conditions

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Shoulder Arthritis

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or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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