Shoulder & elbow · Arthroplasty

Shoulder replacement surgery in Canada

Shoulder replacement at Pathway is offered as anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (for arthritis with an intact rotator cuff), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (for arthritis with rotator cuff deficiency), and partial shoulder replacement, using the INHANCE™ Shoulder System from Johnson & Johnson. Consultations with our fellowship-trained shoulder & upper-extremity surgeons in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Sling immobilization is usually 4–6 weeks, with progressive rehab over 3–6 months.

At Pathway, our fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons perform shoulder replacement surgery. Consultations are available in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later.

Book a consultation (647) 799-3230

Anatomic, reverse & partial options
Sling usually 4–6 weeks
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient reaching overhead comfortably at home after shoulder replacement recovery

5.0 from 250+ reviews

INHANCE™ Shoulder System

At a glance

Anatomic, reverse & partial options
Sling usually 4–6 weeks
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Patient stories

Recovery, in their words.

5.0 from 250+ patient reviews

Had a total reverse shoulder replacement surgery done on February 8th 2025. Overall I have been extremely pleased with the speed and professionalism throughout the entire process. I am happy to be on the road to recovery.

Chris Heckel

Reverse shoulder replacement

I would like to thank Dr. Dessouki for the wonderful experience I recently had for my reverse shoulder replacement. It far exceeded my expectations. Everyone involved were efficient, caring and so helpful.

Dave McNeill

Reverse shoulder replacement

I was a very complex shoulder case that many surgeons turned away. Dr. Alolabi took my shoulder on with no hesitation, explaining the surgery well. Three days post-op I feel better than I did before surgery. Highly recommend.

Steven King

Complex shoulder surgery

Types of shoulder replacement.

The right procedure depends on your specific condition, rotator cuff health, and functional goals.

Total shoulder replacement

Anatomic arthroplasty

Replaces both the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint. Typically used for patients with shoulder arthritis who have a healthy, functioning rotator cuff.

Restores natural shoulder movement
Ideal for osteoarthritis with intact rotator cuff
Excellent pain relief and function

Reverse shoulder replacement

Rotator cuff deficient solution

The normal ball-and-socket anatomy is reversed. This design allows the shoulder to function even when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or absent.

Deltoid muscle powers arm movement
For rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Revision surgery & complex fractures

Most commonly performed shoulder replacement.

Partial shoulder replacement

Hemiarthroplasty

Replaces only the ball of the shoulder joint while leaving the socket intact. Used in selected cases, such as certain shoulder fractures or when the socket cartilage is relatively healthy.

Preserves natural socket anatomy
Less bone removal required
Often used for proximal humerus fractures

Implant technology

INHANCE™ Shoulder System.

Advanced shoulder replacement technology from Johnson & Johnson.

Our surgeons use the INHANCE Shoulder System from Johnson & Johnson — a modern implant platform designed to restore shoulder function with proven reliability.

Anatomic and reverse options — versatile platform for different patient needs
Precision instrumentation — designed for accurate implant positioning
Multiple size options — tailored fit for individual anatomy
Proven materials — designed for long-term durability

INHANCE™ Shoulder System

A comprehensive platform for anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, designed with advanced instrumentation for surgical precision.

Technology by Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Candidacy

Who is a candidate?

Shoulder replacement may be recommended when conservative treatments — such as medications, injections, and physical therapy — no longer provide adequate relief. Common conditions treated with shoulder replacement include:

Osteoarthritis

Progressive wear-and-tear arthritis causing pain and stiffness

Rotator cuff tear arthropathy

Arthritis combined with a massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear

Complex shoulder fractures

Severe fractures that cannot be reconstructed with internal fixation

Failed previous shoulder surgery

Revision cases where prior surgery requires conversion to replacement

What to expect

1

Consultation

Review of imaging, physical exam, and discussion of treatment options
2

Pre-operative planning

CT scan for detailed bone anatomy; implant selection
3

Surgery

Typically 1–2 hours; outpatient or one-night stay
4

Recovery & rehabilitation

Sling for 4–6 weeks; structured physical therapy program

Your surgeon

Our shoulder replacement specialist.

Fellowship-trained surgeon with expertise in complex shoulder reconstruction.

Dr. Bashar Alolabi

Shoulder & elbow specialist

Expert in total, reverse, and revision shoulder replacement surgery.

Fellowship-trained in shoulder & elbow surgery
Total, reverse & revision shoulder replacement

View profile

Your recovery

Your recovery journey.

Weeks 0–6
1

Weeks 0–6

Protection

Sling wear, passive motion begins
Weeks 6–12
2

Weeks 6–12

Active motion

Sling off, active exercises
Months 3–4
3

Months 3–4

Strengthening

Progressive resistance training
Months 4–6+
4

Months 4–6+

Full activity

Return to most activities

4–6 weeks

Sling off

Begin active motion

3 months

Driving resumes

With surgeon clearance

4–6 months

Significant improvement

Continued gains up to 12 months

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Total shoulder replacement replaces both the ball and socket with components that mirror normal anatomy—this works well when the rotator cuff is healthy. Reverse shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to power arm movement. This is ideal for patients with rotator cuff damage, complex fractures, or revision surgery.

Modern shoulder implants are designed for longevity. Studies show that 90% or more of shoulder replacements are still functioning well at 10-15 years. Factors like activity level, bone quality, and implant type can influence long-term durability. Avoiding high-impact activities helps preserve the implant.

You'll wear a sling for 4-6 weeks and begin physical therapy early. Most patients see significant improvement in pain and function by 3 months, with continued gains up to 12 months. Driving typically resumes around 6-8 weeks (automatic transmission) with surgeon clearance.

Most patients achieve excellent pain relief and functional range of motion. Total shoulder replacement typically provides the most natural motion. Reverse shoulder replacement may have some motion limitations (especially rotation) but excels at restoring overhead reaching ability when the rotator cuff is damaged.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with Pathway. Having recent X-rays or MRI is helpful but not mandatory—we can arrange imaging if needed.

Shoulder replacement surgery in Canada

Recovery, in their words.