Shoulder Replacement Surgeon in Boston
Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD performs total shoulder replacement for patients with shoulder arthritis and other conditions. Surgery at Beverly Hospital and New England Surgery Center.
Call 978-969-3624
When is shoulder replacement surgery recommended?
Total shoulder replacement replaces the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components to relieve pain and restore motion. In a total shoulder replacement, the worn ball at the top of the arm bone is replaced with a metal ball on a stem, and the socket is resurfaced with a plastic component. Dr. McLaughlin performs shoulder replacement for patients with advanced shoulder arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis after an old injury, or other conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatment.
Before recommending surgery, Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each patient and discusses all conservative options, including injections and physical therapy. When surgery is appropriate, it is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly.
Call 978-969-3624 to schedule a consultation at any of our four offices.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
- Procedure Total shoulder replacement
- Candidates Advanced arthritis, severe joint damage
- Surgery location Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center
- Non-surgical first Injections and PT evaluated before surgery
- Appointments Same-day or next-day consultations available
What to expect with shoulder replacement
Dr. McLaughlin takes a thorough, step-by-step approach to shoulder replacement, starting with a full evaluation and discussion of all options.
Evaluation and imaging
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each patient with a clinical exam and imaging. In-office ultrasound is available, and expedited MRI can be arranged when needed.
Conservative treatment first
Before recommending surgery, Dr. McLaughlin discusses cortisone injections, PRP injections, gel injections, and physical therapy to ensure all options are considered.
Surgical replacement
When surgery is the right choice, Dr. McLaughlin performs total shoulder replacement (total shoulder arthroplasty) at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center, Beverly.
Signs it may be time to consider shoulder replacement
Shoulder replacement is usually considered when arthritis or joint damage causes pain that limits daily life and has not improved with injections, physical therapy, and activity changes. Common signs include pain that wakes you at night, pain during simple tasks like reaching a shelf or getting dressed, grinding or stiffness that keeps getting worse, and loss of motion. X-rays and an examination show how much the joint has worn. Dr. McLaughlin reviews these findings with each patient and explains whether replacement or continued non-surgical care makes more sense.
Recovery after shoulder replacement
After surgery, the arm is protected in a sling while the shoulder begins to heal. Physical therapy starts with gentle motion and progresses to strengthening as healing allows. Expedited physical therapy options are available when needed. Dr. McLaughlin sees every patient himself, before and after surgery.
Shoulder replacement questions
Does Dr. McLaughlin perform shoulder replacement?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin performs total shoulder replacement for patients with shoulder arthritis, shoulder injury, or other conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatment. Surgery is performed at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly.
Is Dr. McLaughlin a shoulder replacement surgeon in Boston?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon who performs shoulder replacement surgery. His offices are in Boston, Revere, Norwood, and Beverly, Massachusetts.
Does Dr. McLaughlin perform knee replacement?
No. Dr. McLaughlin does not perform knee replacement surgery. He focuses on shoulder replacement, as well as other shoulder and knee conditions including arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and sports injuries.
Where is shoulder replacement surgery performed?
Dr. McLaughlin performs shoulder replacement at Beverly Hospital (Lahey) and New England Surgery Center in Beverly. Consultations are available at the Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly offices.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement?
As with any surgery, shoulder replacement carries risks, including infection, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel injury, dislocation, and loosening or wear of the implant over time. Dr. McLaughlin reviews these risks with each patient before surgery.
How long is recovery after shoulder replacement?
Recovery is gradual. The sling is usually worn for the first several weeks, and strengthening follows over the next few months. Dr. McLaughlin gives each patient a personal timeline.
How do I prepare for shoulder replacement?
Preparation usually includes a medical check before surgery and planning for help at home during the first weeks in a sling. Dr. McLaughlin goes over the specific steps at your consultation.
Shoulder replacement consultations at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PMOffice details →Get directions