Standard (Anatomic) Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder with implants that replicate your natural anatomy. Dr. Reza Jazayeri, a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, performs this procedure for patients across the Greater Los Angeles area.
He uses advanced 3D CT planning software for every case to evaluate your anatomy and determine the ideal implant size and position. The goal is straightforward: relieve pain, restore joint function, and help you return to daily and recreational activities with improved range of motion and strength.
Total Shoulder Replacement Overview
Also called Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, this procedure replaces the damaged ball-and-socket surfaces of your shoulder with artificial components. A polished metal ball is placed on the humerus, and a plastic socket is fixed to the glenoid. The design mimics your natural shoulder anatomy, which is why an intact rotator cuff is essential for success.
Dr. Jazayeri performs most shoulder replacements as outpatient surgeries, allowing you to return home the same day for a more comfortable recovery. This approach reflects his commitment to minimally invasive techniques and personalized recovery protocols developed through years of clinical practice in Los Angeles.
Who Can Benefit From Total Shoulder Replacement
This procedure is generally recommended for patients with advanced arthritis who have not found relief through conservative treatments. You may be a candidate if you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis that causes persistent shoulder pain and limits your daily activities. The key requirement is an intact rotator cuff, since the stability and function of the new joint depend on these muscles and tendons.
Dr. Jazayeri takes a non-surgical-first approach, exploring therapy and injections before considering surgery. When those options no longer provide adequate relief, anatomic shoulder replacement becomes a practical next step for patients in Beverly Hills and surrounding Los Angeles communities.
Key Steps In The Total Shoulder Replacement Procedure
The surgical process follows a clear sequence. First, a small incision is made at the front of your shoulder. The damaged humeral head and glenoid cartilage are carefully removed.
Next, the implants are inserted: a metal ball component on the humerus and a plastic socket fixed to the glenoid. Soft tissues are then repaired to ensure stability and function.
When appropriate, Dr. When appropriate, Dr. Jazayeri may use intraoperative navigation systems, custom implants, or Patient-Specific Instrumentation. These tools help precisely execute the preoperative plan based on the detailed 3D planning completed before your surgery.
Role Of Rotator Cuff Integrity In Surgery
Your rotator cuff must be intact for an anatomic total shoulder replacement to work as intended. These muscles and tendons provide the stability that keeps the artificial joint centered and functioning properly. Without a functioning rotator cuff, the implant may not stay seated correctly, which can lead to complications or reduced outcomes.
During your preoperative evaluation in Los Angeles, Dr. Jazayeri assesses rotator cuff integrity through physical examination and imaging. If your rotator cuff shows significant damage, he may discuss alternative surgical approaches better suited to your specific shoulder condition.
Recovery and Postoperative Expectations
Dr. Jazayeri performs most shoulder replacements as outpatient surgeries, allowing patients to return home the same day for a more comfortable recovery. A structured rehabilitation program follows, focusing on pain control, gentle mobility, and gradual return of strength. Most patients experience substantial pain relief and functional improvement within several weeks to months.
Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation Essentials
Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and motion after shoulder replacement. Your rehabilitation program starts with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progresses to strengthening work as healing allows. Dr. Jazayeri incorporates prehabilitation, a structured pre-surgical conditioning program, to prepare your body before the operation.
This approach, combined with his focus on nutritional and metabolic optimization, supports your recovery from day one. He also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, giving you remote access to guided recovery resources. Consistent participation in therapy gives you the best opportunity to achieve meaningful functional improvement.
What to Expect with an Anatomic Shoulder Replacement?
Also called Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder with implants that replicate the natural anatomy. This option is generally recommended for patients with advanced arthritis and an intact rotator cuff.
The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain, restore joint function, and allow patients to return to daily and recreational activities with improved range of motion and strength.
Dr. Jazayeri uses advanced 3D planning Preop 3D CT planning software for every case to evaluate your anatomy, determine the ideal implant size and position, and develop a precise surgical plan tailored to your case.
Surgical Steps:
- A small incision is made at the front of the shoulder.
- The damaged humeral head (ball) and glenoid (socket) cartilage are carefully removed.
- Implants are inserted: a metal ball component is placed on the humerus and a plastic socket is fixed to the glenoid.
- Soft tissues are carefully repaired to ensure stability and function.
- Intraoperative Tools (when appropriate):
Navigation systems Intra-op Navigation, custom implants, or Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI) may be used to precisely execute the preoperative plan and optimize results.
Collarbone Fractures (Clavicle Fractures):
Open Reduction Internal Fixation With a Plate and Suture Implant Animation
This animated video demonstrates the use of a plate, screws, and suture button implant to repair a break in the collarbone.
Watch: Arthrex® Distal Clavicle Fracture Repair Using Coracoid Fixation
Frequently Asked Questions
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A Standard (Anatomic) Total Shoulder Replacement is a surgery that replaces damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. This procedure aims to relieve pain and restore mobility, especially for those suffering from severe arthritis.
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This surgery is typically recommended for patients with advanced arthritis who have not found relief through other treatments. An intact rotator cuff is essential for the procedure to be successful, as it provides stability to the new joint.
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Recovery varies by individual, but many patients experience significant pain relief within weeks. You will wear a sling initially and participate in physical therapy to regain strength and motion, with many returning to light activities in a few weeks.
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Dr. Jazayeri uses advanced 3D CT planning software to evaluate your shoulder anatomy before surgery. This helps him determine the best implant size and position, ensuring a personalized approach to your specific needs.
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After your surgery, you will receive a structured postoperative care plan that includes pain management and activity guidelines. Dr. Jazayeri and his team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and provide support throughout the healing process.
Why Choose Dr. Jazayeri For Your Shoulder Replacement
Choosing the right surgeon for your Standard (Anatomic) Total Shoulder Replacement is crucial. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He has treated many patients in the Greater Los Angeles area and completed a fellowship at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, which enhances his expertise in shoulder care.
Dr. Jazayeri uses advanced techniques and 3D CT planning for each surgery. This helps ensure that the implants fit your unique anatomy.
He focuses on minimally invasive methods, which can lead to quicker recovery times. His approach includes exploring non-surgical options first, making sure you receive the best care personalized to your needs.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
Can’t recommend Dr. Jazayeri enough. He truly cares for his patients and has been there every step of the way for my shoulder surgeries, ready to answer any questions or concerns. I couldn’t have asked for a better orthopedic surgeon.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Jazayeri
If shoulder pain limits your daily life and conservative treatments have not helped, a Standard (Anatomic) Total Shoulder Replacement may be the right option for you. Dr. Reza Jazayeri brings double board certification in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, fellowship training at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, and over 15 years of clinical experience to every patient he treats. He serves patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, with convenient access from Beverly Hills and surrounding communities.
Virtual consultations are available for patients across California and beyond. Contact the practice today to schedule your evaluation and discuss your shoulder treatment options.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
