Barrett S. Brown, MD

7401 Main St, Houston, TX 77030

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5 Signs You May Need Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

  • July 15, 2025
  • 240 Views
Shoulder pain can make everyday tasks extremely difficult. If you’ve tried medications, physical therapy, or other treatments without getting relief, you might be a candidate for anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery.

But how do you know if it’s time to consider surgery? Here are five key signs that may indicate you need an anatomic total shoulder replacement surgery.

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    1. Severe Shoulder Pain Without Relief

    Everyone experiences shoulder pain at some point, but if yours is constant and doesn’t get better with rest, medications, or therapy, it could mean advanced joint damage.

    Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can wear down the cartilage in your shoulder, leading to bone-on-bone friction. When this pain disrupts your sleep or makes simple movements like reaching for a cup unbearable, surgery might be the next step.

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    2. Limited Range of Motion

    A healthy shoulder allows you to move your arm freely, up, down, and in rotation. But if stiffness and weakness make it hard to lift your arm, comb your hair, or throw a ball, your joint may be deteriorating.

    Anatomic shoulder replacement restores mobility by replacing the damaged ball-and-socket joint with smooth, artificial components, helping you move without pain.

    3. Weakness That Affects Daily Activities

    Muscle weakness often accompanies shoulder joint damage. You might notice:

    • Difficulty carrying groceries
    • Struggling to open jars
    • Trouble pushing or pulling objects

    If weakness remains despite strengthening exercises, your shoulder joint may no longer be supporting your arm effectively. Surgery can help rebuild stability.

    4. Grinding or Popping Sensations (Crepitus)

    A grinding, clicking, or popping sound when you move your shoulder, called crepitus, can signal advanced arthritis or cartilage loss. This happens because the smooth surfaces of the joint have worn down, causing rough bone edges to rub together.

    If these sensations come with pain, it’s a strong indicator that your shoulder needs medical attention.

    5. Previous Treatments Haven’t Worked

    Doctors usually recommend non-surgical options first, such as:

    • Anti-inflammatory medications
    • Cortisone injections
    • Physical therapy
    • Activity modifications

    If you’ve given these treatments time (often several months) and still have significant pain or limited function, surgery could be the best long-term solution.

    What Our Patients Are Saying

    From appointment scheduling, receptionist, nurse, xray to Dr. Barrett Brown, all friendly and professional. Thank God that Dr. Brown wants to try physical therapy instead of jumping to surgery. I am well pleased!!
    Shelia Briggs

    Shelia Briggs

    Dr Brown was very professional and explained everything. He helped me with decisions of my care. Highly recommend him.
    Cathy Arroyo

    Cathy Arroyo

    I had the best experience with Doctor Brown and staff They are so Thorough and nice. He did amazing job on my shoulder I would recommend him And his staff any day thank you so much Doctor Brown.
    Karen Larocca

    Karen Larocca

    Dr. Barrett Brown is a very fine physician. He is also a friend. While he is a surgeon he said this about my horribly painful shoulder. First we will try an injection performed by our specialist using ultra sound. (It was painless.) If that does not relieve your pain we will do a cat scan to evaluate the rotator cuff.
    Lynn Russell

    Lynn Russell

    Highly recommend Dr Brown!!! He took time to answer all questions without rushing. I called his office in severe pain and received the in- office MRI and Dr appt the next day then Dr Brown explained my condition and I was booked for surgery with their on-site hospital days later. The surgery went great and I was treated great by all staff. They have valet service as well. Thanks Dr Brown and all staff!!!
    Kimberley Gomez

    Kimberley Gomez

    I had the best experience with Doctor Brown and staff They are so Thorough and nice. He did amazing job on my shoulder I would recommend him And his staff any day thank you so much Doctor Brown.
    Karen Larocca

    Karen Larocca

    I had a rotator cuff repair with Dr. Brown. Everyone at this hospital from the registration staff, pre-op nurse, surgery staff, recovery room nurse, the anesthesiologist, and of course, the surgeon, Dr. Brown were all professional and caring.
    Mary Isern

    Mary Isern

    I have, unfortunately, been a frequent visitor to the Fondren Orthopedic clinic as I cannot seem to stay on my feet 😅. My most recent experience with Dr. Brown has been nothing short of excellent. From the initial exam to surgery and then the follow up and discussion of how I am healing have been extremely thorough and communication has been a 10. I would definitely recommend.
    Jenna Hunter

    Jenna Hunter

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    What Happens in Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

    This procedure replaces the damaged humeral head (the ball of your shoulder joint) and the glenoid socket with artificial parts made of metal and plastic. Unlike a reverse shoulder replacement, this surgery keeps your natural shoulder anatomy intact, making it ideal for patients with good rotator cuff function.

    In a Nutshell

    If these signs sound familiar, it may be time to consult an orthopedic surgeon to see if anatomic total shoulder replacement is right for you.

    For expert evaluation and personalized care, book a consultation with Dr. Barrett S. Brown, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in shoulder treatments. With extensive experience in sports medicine and joint replacement, Dr. Brown is here to help you explore the best path toward lasting shoulder relief. Call us at (346) 247-2531 to schedule your appointment!

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