Shoulder arthritis and severe rotator cuff damage can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility. In this Q&A, ONS sports medicine and shoulder surgeon Dr. Marc Kowalsky discusses how modern shoulder replacement techniques—both anatomic and reverse—are restoring function, relieving pain, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Do I need a shoulder replacement?
If you are experiencing shoulder pain either due to arthritis, chronic damage (such as a rotator cuff tear) or a previous injury, you might need a shoulder replacement. The pain from arthritis or chronic damage to the rotator cuff usually occurs both with activity and at rest – including at night. Arthritis is often associated with loss of motion, and chronic rotator cuff tears often result in overall weakness. While these problems often occur in isolation, certain patients may develop both arthritis and chronic rotator cuff damage together.
