Shoulder Reconstruction & Replacement

UC San Diego Health is a high-volume surgery center for shoulder reconstruction and replacement.

This means your UC San Diego Health surgeon has the expertise and experience to safely perform highly technical surgery for your condition.

Orthopedic Expertise

UC San Diego Health is the Official Health Care Provider of the San Diego Padres. We are also a designated Center of Excellence for orthopedic care by Optum. Look to us for expert, safe and cost-effective care.

Doctors Trusted by Professional Athletes

Trust us to provide you with the same expert care that we provide to professional and collegiate athletes.

Meet the Team Doctors for the San Diego Padres, San Diego Seals and UC San Diego Tritons

Types of Shoulder Surgeries

Shoulder replacement involves replacing the bones of the shoulder joint with artificial components. We offer several surgical approaches to replace or resurface the joint. You have a treatment option that is right for you.

Total Shoulder Replacement

This involves replacing both the head of the humerus and the shoulder socket. The replacement ball is attached to a stem which is secured into your upper arm bone.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

A reverse total shoulder replacement switches the location of the ball and socket to enable a person to use different muscles for shoulder movement. The ball is attached to the shoulder bone and the socket is attached to your upper arm bone.

Partial Shoulder Replacement

This involves replacing only the head of the humerus and is used when the socket is healthy and doesn't need to be replaced.

Shoulder Resurfacing

Young, active patients with joint degeneration limited to the head of the humerus may be candidates for resurfacing. Shoulder resurfacing involves capping the head of the humerus with a prosthesis. The approach eliminates the need for a long-stem implant.

Orthopedic Surgeons

Locations

More about Shoulder Conditions and Care

For more general information about shoulder conditions and treatments, visit our Health Library:

Shoulder Pain and Problems

Common Injuries of the Shoulder

Shoulder Arthritis and Replacement