Regaining Independence: Bellevue Woman Returns to Daily Life After Shoulder Replacement at AHN Jefferson Hospital

PITTSBURGH, Pa.- After months of living in pain and relying on others for even the simplest daily tasks, 69-year-old Charlene Warner of Bellevue is getting her independence back thanks to a total shoulder replacement performed at Allegheny Health Network's (AHN) Jefferson Hospital.

What began as a fall last September quickly turned into a life-altering injury. Warner dislocated her shoulder trying to brace herself, and despite initial treatment, the joint became unstable, dislocating again just weeks later.

"I couldn't drive. I couldn't pick up my grandkids. Everything just kind of snowballed," Warner said. "From September until February, I had to rely on other people for things I used to do every day."

Referred to AHN's first fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeon, Dr. Lucas Haase, Warner learned that surgery was her best option to restore stability and function to her shoulder. In January, she underwent a reverse total shoulder replacement at AHN Jefferson Hospital.

Today, just months later, Warner is back behind the wheel, attending physical therapy, and steadily returning to the life she loves.

"The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic," she said. "I was nervous going in, but everything went so smoothly. I even had very little pain afterward. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who's hesitant."

Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe shoulder damage. Over time, or after injury, the smooth cartilage that allows the shoulder joint to move easily can wear away or become damaged. During the procedure, surgeons replace the worn joint surfaces with artificial components made of metal and medical-grade plastic.

"The primary goal of a total shoulder replacement is pain relief," said Dr. Haase. "The secondary goal is improving function, because many patients come in unable to lift their arm or perform everyday activities."

For some patients, like Warner, a reverse total shoulder replacement is recommended. This advanced technique switches the normal ball-and-socket structure of the shoulder joint, allowing other muscles to compensate when the rotator cuff is too damaged to function properly.

"Reverse shoulder replacement has really expanded who we can help," Dr. Haase explained. "Patients who previously had no good surgical options, especially those with large rotator cuff tears or complex instability, can now experience significant improvements in pain and mobility."

While shoulder injuries can happen suddenly, most patients who need shoulder replacement experience gradual symptoms.

"The majority of patients don't come in because of a major injury," Dr. Haase said. "They come in because their shoulder just isn't working like it used to. Arthritis, rotator cuff disease, or wear and tear over time are very common reasons."

Patients are typically in their 60s or older, though younger individuals with trauma or athletic injuries may also require treatment.

Shoulder replacement surgery typically takes about an hour. About half of patients go home the same day, while others stay overnight for observation.

Recovery includes several weeks in a sling followed by physical therapy. Most patients see significant improvement within three months, with continued gains in strength and motion over the course of a year.

For Warner, the difference was noticeable almost immediately.

"I expected a lot of pain, but I really didn't have much at all," she said. "Now I'm just focused on getting stronger and getting back to everything I enjoy, especially being there for my grandkids."

Dr. Haase, who recently joined AHN, brings specialized expertise in shoulder and elbow reconstruction to Jefferson Hospital, including complex and revision shoulder procedures.

"These can range from relatively straightforward cases to highly customized surgeries using advanced implants, including 3D-printed components," he said. "It allows us to tailor treatment to each patient's anatomy and needs."

Looking ahead, Dr. Haase says even more innovation is on the horizon, including tendon-sparing surgical techniques designed to further improve recovery.

"Our goal is always to make surgery less invasive and recovery more efficient, while delivering the best possible outcomes," he said.

For Warner, the outcome is already clear.

"I'm just grateful," she said. "Grateful to have my independence back."

AHN offers advanced shoulder replacement procedures across its network, expanding access to specialized orthopedic care throughout western Pennsylvania. In addition to Jefferson Hospital, these procedures are performed at multiple AHN locations, including the North region by Drs. Victor Greco, Nathan Winek and Caleb Campbell; the Central region by Dr. DJ Phillips; the South region by Drs. Scott Schweizer, DJ Phillips, Lucas Haase, John Rinaldi, Steven Regal, Jarred Holt and Christopher Radkowski; the Erie region by Dr. Robert Lupo; and the East region by Drs. Brian Mosier, Colin Brabender and Richard McKinney.

For more information, call 412-DOCTORS.