Shoulder Replacement Surgery Sarasota, FL
Christopher L. Dillingham, M.D.
(941) 378-5100
5831 Bee Ridge Rd
Suite 300
Sarasota, FL 34233
Monday - Friday | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Specialties Include
- Total Shoulder Replacement
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Laser Therapy
- Cutting Edge Physical Therapy
Fellowship-Trained Shoulder Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Christopher Dillingham is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who performs both total and reverse shoulder replacement surgery at leading hospitals and surgical centers in Sarasota, Florida. His advanced fellowship training in Hand, Shoulder, and Arm Surgery at the University of Florida provided specialized expertise in the latest shoulder replacement techniques, making him one of the region’s go-to surgeons for these complex procedures.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged portions of the shoulder joint with artificial components. The goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Dr. Dillingham may recommend shoulder replacement when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, injections, or regenerative medicine have not provided adequate relief. Common conditions that may require shoulder replacement include:
- Severe shoulder arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Complex shoulder fractures
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
- Failed prior shoulder surgery
Types of Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Replacement
In a traditional total shoulder replacement, the damaged ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint are replaced with prosthetic components. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe arthritis who still have an intact rotator cuff. Total shoulder replacement can dramatically reduce pain and restore range of motion for patients who have exhausted non-surgical options.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is one of the most technically demanding procedures in orthopedic surgery. It reverses the normal anatomy of the shoulder by placing the ball component on the socket side and the socket component on the arm bone. This design allows the deltoid muscle to compensate for a damaged or deficient rotator cuff.
Dr. Dillingham performs reverse shoulder replacement for patients with:
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (arthritis combined with a large rotator cuff tear)
- Failed prior shoulder replacement
- Severe fractures in patients with poor rotator cuff function
- Chronic shoulder dislocations that have not responded to other treatments
What to Expect
Shoulder replacement is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately one to two hours depending on the complexity of the case. Dr. Dillingham operates at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and the Advanced Surgery Center of Sarasota.
After surgery, patients begin a guided rehabilitation program to restore strength and range of motion. Most patients notice significant pain relief within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Dr. Dillingham and his team work closely with each patient throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible result.
Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You?
If shoulder pain is limiting your daily activities and conservative treatments are no longer providing relief, it may be time to explore your options. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Dillingham to discuss whether shoulder replacement is the right next step.