Joint Journey at Mercy

The Joint Journey at Mercy offers comprehensive education, resources and support to optimize recovery from major joint replacement surgery, including knee, hip and shoulder replacement.

Mercy’s Joint Journey for Shoulder Replacement Surgery is designed for patients considering shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement due to chronic and debilitating shoulder conditions. The program provides patients with the information, support and resources needed to recover as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Our team of experienced surgeons, physician assistants, nurses and therapists are specially trained in shoulder replacement surgery and provide care and guidance before, during and after the procedure.

Experienced Baltimore-Area Shoulder Surgeons

Mercy’s exceptionally talented group of shoulder surgeons have several decades of combined experience. Standout clinical expertise along with Mercy’s reputation for quality is what makes our team a top choice for competitive athletes, weekend warriors, or those who want to pick up their grandchildren or perform the normal activities of daily life. Our experts provide top quality care that allows patients to get back to their lives.

Mercy Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons

• Gregory Gasbarro, M.D., Medical Director, Shoulder Joint Journey
• Joseph Ciotola, M.D.
• John-Paul Rue, M.D.
• Mark Slabaugh, M.D.

Finding a Shoulder Surgeon Near Me

Mercy shoulder surgeons see patients at convenient locations throughout the Baltimore area, including offices in Downtown Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Columbia, Lutherville, Overlea and Reisterstown.

Do I Need Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery is generally an option for patients with:

• Arthritis
• Large rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired
• Fractures of the shoulder

Depending upon the injury, the patient’s age, activity level and other factors, either total shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement may be recommended. Mercy’s shoulder surgeons create individualized treatment plans for each patient to relieve pain and restore function in their shoulder.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery

The Joint Journey for Shoulder Replacement Surgery offers a comprehensive approach to assist patients throughout the treatment process. Each patient receives a Shoulder Joint Navigation Journal, which explains the entire journey from pre-operative care to surgery to post-surgical follow-up.

Mercy’s program includes a dedicated Joint Program Director, who helps patients navigate their care, including answering questions and coordinating both pre-operative care and discharge planning.

Focused Shoulder Surgery and Recovery Education

The program incorporates both pre-operative in-person classes as well as online modules to provide patients and their caregivers with a comprehensive overview of what they will encounter before, during and after their shoulder replacement surgery. The education and pre-surgical preparation can optimize the recovery period and help patients feel more prepared when they are discharged. Some of the topics covered include:

• How the surgery is performed
• What to expect during the hospital stay
• Pain management and anesthesia
• Safe home recovery

Baltimore Hospital for Shoulder Surgery

Depending on the severity and complexity of the shoulder replacement surgery, patients may be discharged to their home the same day. Patients who require an overnight stay will recover in Mercy’s award-winning Mary Catherine Bunting Center, which includes a dedicated unit for orthopedic patients. It is also home to the Joint Gym, an on-site rehabilitation area where patients receive both physical and occupational therapy. Nurses on this unit are specially trained to work with patients recovering from shoulder replacement surgery.

Following discharge, patients and caregivers are encouraged to contact the Joint Program Director for any questions or concerns.