Trust us to provide the care you need
For pain-free motion, shoulder arthritis relief, and peace of mind, turn to our experts at MedStar Orthopaedic Institute. No one in the region performs more shoulder and elbow surgeries than our fellowship-trained specialists. In fact, we’re ranked Top 10 in the nation for number of shoulder replacement procedures.*
Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for orthopedics, our shoulder specialists can evaluate your pain at 13 convenient locations spanning Central Maryland:
How we can help you.
Fellowship-trained surgeons.
Hear from our patients
Experience the highest level of orthopedic care
Our fellowship-trained specialists have the in-depth training and experience to diagnose and treat even the most complex shoulder conditions. If shoulder pain keeps you from doing what you love, visit a specialist to discuss your treatment options.
Many patients with arthritis, a torn rotator cuff, or avascular necrosis (disrupted blood supply to the shoulder) find relief from shoulder pain without surgery. Our experts will discuss all your options with you. Then, we will personalize your care plan based on your lifestyle, needs, and goals.
For maximum pain management without surgery, we may recommend a combination of treatments such as:
- Anti-inflammatory or pain medication
- Arthroscopy to “clean up” damaged joint tissue
- Corticosteroid injections
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Heat and ice therapy
- Rest and activity modification
If pain persists, your doctor might recommend shoulder replacement surgery. MedStar Orthopaedic Institute surgeons are experts in minimally invasive and traditional techniques. If you need shoulder surgery, we will help you understand what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Renowned for surgical excellence, our specialists tend to the joint health of athletes who play for the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, and U.S. Lacrosse.
Innovative Shoulder Replacement Techniques
Shoulder arthritis leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Shoulder arthritis is usually osteoarthritis (or "wear-and-tear"), rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic, autoimmune disease), arthritis that develops after a traumatic injury or large, long-standing rotator cuff tear, or avascular necrosis (when the blood supply to the joint is disrupted). the first line of treatment for shoulder arthritis is nonsurgical. However, if your pain is not relieved or it negatively impacts your life, shoulder replacement (or arthroplasty) is an option.
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Total Shoulder Replacement
During a total shoulder replacement, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed and replaced with a metal ball and plastic socket to restore joint function. Advances in implant design have made total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) a viable option for many people to experience effective, lasting shoulder pain relief.
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Outpatient Shoulder Replacement
Outpatient shoulder replacement is just like traditional shoulder replacement, except patients go home the same day to begin recovery. This minimally invasive approach requires smaller incisions than traditional shoulder replacement. The results?
- Shorter hospital stay-or no stay required
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for outpatient shoulder replacement.
Candidates for outpatient shoulder replacement. To see a real-life example of this surgery, watch the video below. (NOTE: this video is graphic and may be inappropriate for some viewers).
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Reverse Shoulder Replacement
During a reverse total shoulder replacement surgery, the metal ball is attached to the shoulder bone and the plastic socket is attached to the upper arm bone—the opposite of the traditional technique. This approach changes the position of the ball and socket joint so you can use a different set of healthy muscles to move your arm.
This approach is most often used for people who have:
- A completely torn rotator cuff
- Severe arm weakness
- Severe arthritis and rotator cuff tearing
- Previous failed shoulder replacement
- Advanced age with a shoulder fracture
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Stemless Shoulder Replacement
In stemless shoulder replacement, the artificial parts used to replace the shoulder joint are smaller, requiring less of your healthy bone to hold the implant in place. This bone-preserving procedure typically results in smaller incisions and a faster recovery. Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for this procedure.
Hear from our patients
"I woke up in recovery after surgery and was back in the comfort of my own home by dinner."
-Geoff Miller, Director of Athletics, Goucher College, Outpatient Shoulder Replacement Patient
"They even made sure to line up the artwork in the tattoos I had gotten as a Marine when they closed my incision after surgery."
- Nick Hozik, US Marine, Maryland State Trooper, Swimmer, Stemless Shoulder Replacement Patient
Leaders in orthopedic medicine
MedStar Orthopaedic Institute is home to one of Maryland’s largest fellowship-trained joint replacement teams. We are on the leading edge of research, educating future surgeons in the latest data-driven techniques. Our experts work closely with specialists throughout MedStar Health—so every patient gets an exceptionally personalized, team-based treatment plan.
Anand Murthi, MD
Chief, Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Jason Stein, MD
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
Leigh Ann Curl, MD
Chief of Sports Medicine
Te-feng Arthur Chou, MD
Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
David Cohen, MD
Sports Medicine Surgeon
Jon Koman, MD
Sports Medicine Surgeon
Milford Marchant, MD
Sports Medicine Surgeon
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Orthopedic team
Anand Murthi, MD
Chief, Shoulder and Elbow SurgeryJason Stein, MD
Shoulder and Elbow SurgeonLeigh Ann Curl, MD
Chief of Sports MedicineTe-feng Arthur Chou, MD
Shoulder and Elbow SurgeonDavid Cohen, MD
Sports Medicine SurgeonJon Koman, MD
Sports Medicine SurgeonMilford Marchant, MD
Sports Medicine Surgeon
Additional Resources
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DocTalk Podcast: S6:E2: Total Shoulder Replacement or Arthroplasty
S6:E2 Total Shoulder Replacement or ArthroplastyThe shoulder is the most mobile and most complex joint in the human body, which also makes it vulnerable to injury and arthritis. Each year, nearly 60,000 Americans undergo shoulder replacement surgery, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).
In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler sits down with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ryan Hoffman, a shoulder and elbow specialist at MedStar Health, to explore:
· What shoulder arthroplasty is and when it’s needed
· The difference between total vs. reverse shoulder replacements
· How advances like robotic planning, 3D templating, and stemless implants are changing outcomes
· What recovery looks like and how patients regain mobility
· What to ask when choosing a shoulder surgeon
If you’ve ever wondered about shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, or when it’s time to consider replacement surgery, this conversation breaks it all down.
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