Impact + Transplant
Mom of double transplant survivor 'not surprised at all' by hospital's top ranking
Shoulder & Elbow
A national leader in shoulder and elbow care.
Whether you come for a consultation or a complex orthopaedic procedure, you’ll be cared for from diagnosis through treatment and recovery by a nationally recognized team of experts from a leading academic medical center.MUSC Health has received the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Joint Replacement Certification. We have also been named No. 1 hospital in South Carolina for orthopaedics treatment and care by U.S. News & World Report.
MUSC Health is also proud to be the official sports medicine provider for the Charleston Battery, the Charleston RiverDogs, the SC Stingrays, the College of Charleston, the Citadel & more.
Patient stories & treatment options explained.
Shoulder Replacement
MUSC Health’s surgeon Dr. Eichinger provides relief and treatment for his patient through double shoulder replacement surgery.
What is Tommy John Surgery?
Dr. Josef Eichinger performs the procedure on athletes & non-athletes who have injured their elbow or have a degenerative elbow condition.
Treatment Plan & Surgery
Dr. Eichinger details the treatment plan and surgery for his double shoulder replacement patient.
Shoulder Pain?
Dr. Eichinger explains the numerous treatment options are available to treat shoulder pain, ranging from physical therapy and injections to shoulder surgery.
Conditions we treat.
Most of the conditions we treat can be managed non-operatively, but when surgery is needed, we perform both arthroscopic and open surgery, as well as joint replacement, if necessary. From athletic related-injuries to common everyday injuries, our expert team works with you to restore your quality of life and prior mobility.
Examples of common conditions we treat include:
- Shoulder replacement surgery
- Rotator cuff surgery
- Shoulder instability
- Shoulder fracture
- Clavicle fracture
- Advanced shoulder arthroscopy
- Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction)
- Elbow replacement
- Advanced elbow arthroscopy
- Athletic injuries
- Elbow instability
Post-Surgery FAQs
At the start of your surgical journey with MUSC Health, you will receive a handbook that details all of the information you will need to know.
In the meantime, we know you likely have questions about what your recovery will look like, so we’re sharing some commonly asked questions and answers here.
You will also be connected with our joint-replacement nurse navigator who will be available to guide you throughout the process. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them if you have any questions along the way.
Absolutely – You will need assistance at home for at least the first two weeks to help you get around, go to the bathroom, shower, dress, remove/apply your sling, and prepare meals.
Returning to work varies for each patient based on the type of surgery and the type of work that they do. Typically, most patients return to work by 3 months after surgery. If you have a desk job, you may be able to go back to work sooner. We will discuss your return-to-work status with you at each of your visits.
Yes – You will need antibiotics prior to invasive procedures such as dental work and GI procedures. We are happy to call in a prescription for you, or your dentist or doctor can take care of this for you. This decreases your risk of getting an infection that can spread to your prosthetic joint and is strongly recommended.
Our goal for you is to be as mobile as possible before and after surgery, so we discourage giving out DMV Disability Placards. However, we will give you a temporary prescription if we feel it is necessary.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not require you to have a card to indicate that you have had a joint replacement, as showing a card does not prevent you from needing additional screening at the airport. We do not give out any documentation for traveling purposes.
You should NEVER drive while taking prescription-strength pain relievers. We advise our shoulder replacement patients to wait at least 6 weeks before driving following surgery. For our elbow replacement patients, we advise waiting until you have close to full range of motion in your elbow (approximately 4–6 weeks after surgery). You may discuss this further with your surgeon at your post-op follow-up appointments.
We stop these medications prior to surgery to decrease your risk of complications, like infection. Your surgeon will tell you how long you should refrain from taking them, based on both the medication and your own medical history. This will also be discussed at your first post-operative appointment.
You should not soak in any water for long periods of time until your surgical incision has completely healed. This includes swimming and taking a bath. Typically, your incision will be healed around the 4-week post-operative time point, but this may take longer for some patients. Ask your surgeon before swimming or performing other recreational activities.
Joint replacement is a major surgery, and healing takes time. You should not engage in sexual activity until you and your partner feel comfortable. We recommend waiting until your incision has healed, or until at least 4–6 weeks post-op.
