Tulsa Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Precision shoulder reconstruction for advanced arthritis, degenerative conditions, and traumatic injuries.
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Innovative Expertise in Shoulder Reconstruction
Advanced Shoulder Replacement and Complex Revision Arthroplasty in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Shoulder replacement surgery is a proven solution for patients experiencing severe pain, stiffness, and loss of function due to advanced shoulder arthritis or joint damage. Dr. Chris Treat is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in Tulsa specializing in innovative and minimally invasive shoulder replacement surgery to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes.
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder joint replacement, or shoulder arthroplasty, is one of the most common joint replacement procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons.
While different surgical techniques are used to treat different conditions, shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing all or part of the glenohumeral joint with a prosthetic implant.
Most shoulder replacements are the result of cartilage degeneration, pain, and restricted joint movement caused by arthritis. However, severe wear and tear or trauma to the shoulder joint may require shoulder replacement to restore comfort, function, and quality of life.

Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You?
Shoulder replacement surgery should be a collaborative decision between you, your physician, and your family.
It may be right for you if:
- Severe shoulder pain interferes with everyday activities.
- Moderate to severe pain prevents you from resting or getting a good night’s sleep.
- You experience loss of motion and/or weakness in the shoulder.
- Your condition does not improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.
Shoulder Replacement Causes and Conditions
Shoulder pain and loss of function can be caused by several conditions that lead patients to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery.
- Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Post-traumatic Arthritis
- Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
- Severe Fractures
- Failed Previous Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder Replacement Patient Evaluation
Your family physician or emergency care provider may refer you to an orthopedic specialist to be evaluated for shoulder replacement surgery. A thorough evaluation may consist of several components.
- Medical History
- Physical Examination
- X-Rays
- MRI
- Bone Scan
- Blood Tests
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Options
Total Shoulder Replacement
Total Shoulder Replacement
In this procedure, the joint surfaces are replaced with a smooth metal ball on the head of the upper arm bone (humerus), and a plastic cup in the shoulder socket (glenoid).

Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
A reverse shoulder replacement switches the orientation of the shoulder’s “ball and socket” joint by attaching a metal ball to the glenoid and a socket to the humeral head.

Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty
Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty
In cases where shoulder joint replacement does not produce the intended results, new prosthetic materials or a more innovative surgical approach may yield better results.

Biologic Shoulder Resurfacing
Biologic Shoulder Resurfacing
Instead of using implantable devices, this innovative arthroscopic procedure replaces worn cartilage with healthy biological material from a cadaver donor.

