Dr. Daniel Carpenter’s extensive education and training in shoulder, elbow, and general orthopedics place him in a unique position to offer patients superb subspecialty care. This is precisely why EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region patients choose Dr. Carpenter for total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) and rotator cuff repair. Additionally, because of his expertise and efficiency, Dr. Carpenter is able to offer the highest-quality surgical care to more patients. He uses the latest equipment and cutting-edge techniques to deliver high-quality, patient-centered treatment.

Learn more about who qualifies for shoulder replacement and rotator cuff repair, how Dr. Carpenter performs these procedures, and what you can expect in terms of recovery.

When Surgical Intervention is the Best Solution for Shoulder Pain and Problems

In line with EmergeOrtho’s conservative treatment priorities, Dr. Carpenter exhausts all non-operative approaches before recommending surgical shoulder repair or replacement. Surgical intervention is only suggested when a shoulder condition or injury is severe or does not respond to conservative measures such as injections, medication, and physical therapy.

Candidates for total shoulder replacement include those who:

Orthopedic shoulder surgeon wearing white gloves and lab coat examines the shoulder of a male patient.

  • Have not responded to non-operative treatments (injections, physical therapy, etc.)
  • Exhibit shoulder arthritis

Candidates for reverse shoulder replacement include those who:

  • Have an irreparable rotator cuff tear
  • Have rotator cuff arthropathy, a type of arthritis related to long-term rotator cuff injury
  • Experience certain types of fractures

Candidates for rotator cuff repair include those who:

  • Have undergone an acute trauma/injury
  • Experienced degenerative (long-term) wear and tear
  • Have not responded to non-operative treatments (injections, physical therapy, etc.)

Total Shoulder Replacement and Rotator Cuff Repair Procedures

Once it has been determined that surgery is the best treatment option, Dr. Carpenter establishes a personalized plan for each patient. This includes the utilization of pre-operative software to determine the most appropriate and effective anatomical shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement technique.

After designing and completing the virtual surgical treatment plan, Dr. Carpenter uploads it into a system that allows him to visualize and execute the plan in the operating room. This approach improves both implant position and function.

Dr. Carpenter provides the following shoulder replacement and repair procedures:

  • Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, revision rotator cuff repair
  • Anatomic shoulder replacement
  • Rotator cuff arthroplasty
  • Arthroscopic labral repairs
  • Shoulder instability surgery including Bankart repair and Laterjet procedure
  • Anatomic shoulder replacement
  • Reverse shoulder replacement
  • Revision shoulder replacement
  • Shoulder fracture fixation
  • Tendon transfer
  • Superior capsular reconstruction

Surgical Procedure Recovery

Although recovery varies depending on the type of procedure and person, patients can typically anticipate the following:

Shoulder replacement surgery recovery:

  • Four-to-six-month timeframe for a full recovery
  • Physical therapy beginning several weeks after surgery
  • Two to three weeks before daily activities can be resumed (with certain restrictions based on healing progress)

Rotator cuff repair recovery:

  • Most arthroscopic surgery recovery periods for repairs to the rotator cuff range between three to six months to regain full use of the arm
  • Six weeks of immobilization with no lifting of the arm

Dr. Carpenter also provides additional recommendations to each individual patient to aid the healing process and encourage a safe recovery. Many times, athletes are able to return to certain sports following full recovery. Patients often experience pain relief as soon as the first couple of weeks after surgery.

The key to the successful healing of shoulder and rotator cuff injuries is to consult with an expert orthopedic specialist who understands the intricacies and complexities of upper extremity conditions and injuries.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Carpenter now. Or, speak with an EmergeOrtho—Wilson team member at (252) 243-9629.