Big Easy Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement in New Orleans & Metairie
At Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans, Big Easy Shoulder Replacement focuses on reverse total shoulder replacement for patients with painful, arthritic, or severely damaged shoulders—especially when the rotator cuff is no longer functioning.
As part of the Big Easy Joint Replacement Program, Big Easy Shoulder is designed for patients who want expert, evidence-based shoulder replacement care in Uptown New Orleans or Metairie, with the goal of improving comfort, motion, and everyday function.
Is Big Easy Shoulder right for me?
Reverse total shoulder replacement is often recommended for patients whose shoulder pain and weakness are caused by more than simple “wear and tear.” You may be a candidate if you have:
- Shoulder arthritis combined with a large or irreparable rotator cuff tear
- Chronic shoulder pain and weakness that limit lifting, reaching, or daily activities
- Shoulder pain that interferes with sleep or prevents you from lying on that side
- Loss of shoulder motion despite medications, injections, and physical therapy
- A failed prior shoulder replacement or complex fracture around the shoulder
Through the Big Easy Shoulder program, our surgeons evaluate your symptoms, imaging, and goals to determine whether reverse total shoulder replacement is your best option—or whether continued conservative treatment or a different surgical approach is more appropriate.
What sets Big Easy Shoulder Replacement apart
Big Easy Shoulder focuses on stability, function, and predictable outcomes in patients who need reverse total shoulder replacement. Our approach brings together:
Reverse total shoulder design
Reverse total shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket to allow the deltoid muscle to lift the arm when the rotator cuff is no longer working properly. This design can improve pain, strength, and range of motion in the right candidates.
Advanced planning and implant selection
Your surgeon uses imaging and modern implant systems to plan component size, position, and alignment based on your shoulder anatomy and bone quality, with the goal of maximizing stability and function.
Soft tissue–focused technique
Attention to soft tissue balancing and protection of the deltoid and surrounding muscles helps support smoother motion and longer-term function after surgery.
Multimodal pain management
Our pain strategy may include regional nerve blocks, spinal or general anesthesia as appropriate, periarticular (joint) injections with long-acting anesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications, and cryotherapy (cold therapy). This multimodal approach supports better pain control and can reduce reliance on opioid medications.
Outpatient or short-stay options
For appropriately selected patients, Big Easy Shoulder is designed to support same-day or short-stay discharge from our New Orleans or Metairie locations, with a clear recovery plan and close follow-up.
Modern closure techniques
Whenever possible, modern absorbable sutures and closure devices are used to help minimize scarring and support wound healing.
What is reverse total shoulder replacement?
Reverse total shoulder replacement is different from a traditional (anatomic) shoulder replacement. In a reverse shoulder:
- The normal “ball-and-socket” orientation is reversed
- A ball component is placed on the shoulder blade side
- A socket component is attached to the upper arm bone
This design lets the deltoid muscle power the shoulder instead of relying on a damaged rotator cuff. Reverse total shoulder replacement is commonly recommended when:
- The rotator cuff is torn and cannot be repaired
- Arthritis or deformity has severely damaged the joint
- Previous shoulder surgery or injury has altered normal anatomy
The goal is to reduce pain, improve overhead motion, and help you return to everyday tasks like reaching, dressing, grooming, and light lifting.
Your Big Easy Shoulder care team
Big Easy Shoulder Replacement is performed by:
Orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, hip, and shoulder replacement
Orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee, hip, and shoulder replacement
These surgeons perform reverse total shoulder replacement consultations at both our Uptown New Orleans and Metairie locations and are part of the broader Big Easy Joint Replacement Program.
Shoulder replacement care close to home
Big Easy Shoulder Replacement allows you to receive advanced reverse total shoulder care in Uptown New Orleans or Metairie without traveling outside the region.
Our clinics serve patients throughout the greater New Orleans area—from the North Shore to the South Shore, the East Bank to the West Bank, and neighborhoods across the city—so you can recover closer to your home, family, and support system.
Related Big Easy joint replacement services
Big Easy Shoulder is part of our comprehensive Big Easy Joint Replacement Program. Learn more about related services:
Ready to talk about Big Easy Shoulder Replacement?
If shoulder pain and weakness are limiting your mobility or quality of life—especially if you have a rotator cuff tear and arthritis—Big Easy Shoulder Replacement may be an option. Our surgeons will evaluate your shoulder, review your imaging, and recommend the treatment plan that best fits your goals, whether that means continued conservative care or moving forward with reverse total shoulder replacement.
Click here or call Orthopaedic Associates of New Orleans at 504-899-6391 to schedule a shoulder replacement consultation in Uptown New Orleans or Metairie today.