Are you one of the 16 million Americans with shoulder pain and function loss because of arthritis? Are you thinking about total shoulder replacement surgery, but fear it’s too costly or risky?  A new study from Johns Hopkins University shows that not only is total shoulder replacement surgery (arthroplasty) less expensive, but it is also associated with fewer complications than other types of total joint replacement surgery.

Shoulder arthroplasty involves replacing the affected joint with a metal and plastic artificial joint.  The procedure is associated with far fewer post-surgical complications than total knee or total hip replacement surgery.  It is also about $4,000 to $5,000 lower in cost. So, don’t put off shoulder arthroplasty.  In fact, 99% of people that received shoulder arthroplasty stated that they wished they had done it sooner!