Anatomic replacement may be considered for painful arthritis when the rotator cuff functions adequately. Damaged joint surfaces are replaced while preserving the usual shoulder orientation.
When is anatomic shoulder replacement considered?
Typical considerations include established cartilage loss, loss of function, symptoms that remain unacceptable despite nonsurgical treatment, and a rotator cuff capable of supporting the reconstructed joint.
Patient reviews
Patient experiences, in their own words.
Reverse total shoulder replacement
★★★★★
Outstanding care!
The good doctor performed a reverse total shoulder replacement in August (2026) for me. Awesome communicator, great follow-up, and of course highly skilled. In fact it was such a great experience so that I am having the other shoulder done in November (2026).
AnonymousHealthgrades review · Oct 16, 2026
Total shoulder replacement
★★★★★
Excellent Surgeon
Dr Haber is an excellent surgeon. I had a total shoulder replacement and cannot be happier with the results. Everything was very well organized and made the whole process easier. I definitely recommend him for anyone looking to have a shoulder replacement.
Dennis CiocchettiHealthgrades review · Mar 04, 2023
Reverse total shoulder replacement
★★★★★
After an extremely painful emergency situation with another orthopedic surgeon, I was referred by the hospital emergency room staff to contact Dr. Haber at Panorama Orthopedics. His staff and physician's assistant got me in to see them within 2 hours of my call. I was immediately diagnosed and scheduled for a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement.
Dr. Haber is, perhaps, the most knowledgeable and professional person I have ever met. He has a sincere empathy for his patients and takes the time to discuss a particular diagnosis until the patient clearly understands exactly what is to be expected.
The entire Panorama medical team is exceptional and I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to refer Panorama/Dr. Haber to anyone requiring orthopedic medical attention.
Nancy E. Doran
Westminster, CO
Nancy DoranGoogle review
Shoulder replacements
★★★★★
Dr Haber was very open & comfortable to talk to. I have had both my shoulders replaced in the last 2 years. Both experiences went very well. I have just finished the rehab on the last replacement. They are in contact with you throughout your recovery & respond quickly to concerns or questions. The whole team seems focused on you as if you are their only patient.
I would strongly recommend Dr Haber to anyone needing shoulder surgery of any kind.
PaulaGoogle review
Reverse shoulder replacement
★★★★★
After meeting Dr Haber and his team last year, I decided he was who I wanted to do my shoulder surgery. He took the time to get to know me and my expectations, to discuss all options, address any concerns and answer my questions. I am now almost 4 months out from my reverse shoulder replacement and could not be happier with the results. Dr. Haber and his staff have been wonderful.
Patricia SallingGoogle review
Reverse shoulder replacement
★★★★★
I had reverse left shoulder replacement performed by Dr. Daniel Haber on January 5, 2024. I have been thoroughly thrilled with the results! Dr. Haber got the angles correct for my range of motion to already be amazing only 4 months later!!!
His team has supported me from diagnosis through recovery. I saw Brooke first. She was very informative. All questions were answered promptly by Nick as I prepared for the surgery and rehab.
I am so happy that I chose Dr. Haber and his team of professionals for my Reverse Shoulder Surgery.
I would recommend him to my family and friends.
flo feeleyGoogle review
Shoulder replacements
★★★★★
Dr. Haber is a highly skilled and compassionate surgeon. Dr. Haber replaced both of my shoulders a year apart due to rotator cuff tears. I experienced little pain and was able to immediately begin physical therapy.
Through the entire process Dr. Haber's office was available for any questions. During follow-up visits, I was treated with the same professionalism and compassion.
Skip MenicosGoogle review
Reverse shoulder surgery
★★★★★
Hi highly recommend Dr. Daniel Haber. I’m 63 yrs old and I fell on 02OCT2024 and broke my left shoulder in 8 different places. I also had a previous surgery on my left shoulder back in 2020 after a major car accident so my shoulder was already giving me issues. I was so glad my niece recommended Dr Haber as she is a surgical tech and works with a lot of different surgeons in the operating room. My niece told me Dr Haber was a great, gifted, perfectionist surgeon but what makes him stand out from all the other surgeons she works with was his bedside manner. Dr. Haber treats everyone like they matter and is truly a caring Doctor.
I ended up going with Dr Haber after meeting him and his staff. I had reverse shoulder replacement surgery on 11DEC2024 and I feel my shoulder is better than it was before my accident. I was lucky to have the recommendation from my niece and I would love to confirm that Dr. Haber not only is a great Doctor / Surgeon but also has great bedside manner from my personal experience. Dr Haber explained everything to me why he recommended reverse shoulder surgery and the before and after care was great. His staff is also wonderful!!
👍🏼 For Dr. Haber!!
Cindy PowellGoogle review
Selected patient reviews. Individual experiences and recovery vary; reviews do not guarantee a particular outcome.
How it is different from reverse shoulder replacement
Anatomic replacement preserves the natural position of the ball and socket and depends on cuff function. A reverse replacement alters the mechanics to make the deltoid more effective. A preoperative exam and imaging help determine which design is most appropriate.
What happens before the procedure?
Careful review of your medical history, radiographs and sometimes advanced imaging helps assess bone shape, cuff integrity, and implant choices. Dr. Haber will also discuss medication management, medical clearance when needed, postoperative home support and rehabilitation.
Recovery after anatomic shoulder replacement
Passive range of motion (PROM) means your shoulder is moved with help, without the shoulder muscles lifting the arm. Active range of motion (AROM) means you move the arm using your own muscles. Both follow the limits in your physical therapy protocol.
Weeks 0–4: protect the shoulder. Wear your sling or shoulder immobilizer for the first 4 weeks. Gentle passive shoulder motion is encouraged within your prescribed limits.
Physical therapy starts within 1 week. Attend once a week while in the sling, focusing on passive motion to help prevent stiffness. After 4 weeks, Dr. Haber generally recommends physical therapy twice a week until your motion goals are met.
After 4 weeks: begin gentle active motion. When cleared to come out of the sling, begin moving the shoulder with your own muscles and using the arm for simple daily tasks. Keep lifting and loading through the arm limited to approximately 3–5 pounds.
Following months: rebuild movement and strength. Gradually improve motion and smooth, controlled shoulder movement, then build strength with your therapist’s guidance.
Around 4.5–6 months: return to approved activities. Return to golf, pickleball, skiing and other activities is gradual and requires clearance based on healing, motion, strength and your specific surgery. Contact sports and repetitive heavy lifting may remain restricted after replacement; discuss long-term activity limits with Dr. Haber.
Preventing stiffness is a priority
Stiffness is a major concern after shoulder surgery. Physical therapy is essential to restoring motion and function while protecting healing tissue. Dr. Haber works with trusted therapists across the Front Range and recommends a therapist based on where you live.
Many shoulder symptoms can be managed without replacement. The goal is not to steer every patient toward an operation; it is to provide a clear explanation of the evidence, trade-offs, likely benefits and risks.
Common questions
Does anatomic shoulder replacement require an intact rotator cuff?
It generally requires a functional rotator cuff to keep the joint stable and support motion. Your surgeon evaluates tendon function and imaging before recommending the implant.
Is shoulder replacement performed for arthritis alone?
Painful advanced arthritis is one common indication. The decision also considers function, prior treatment, overall health, the condition of the rotator cuff and patient preferences.
3D planning tailored to your shoulder
For shoulder replacement, Dr. Haber uses patient-specific, computer-generated 3D imaging to assess bone shape, implant sizing and component alignment before surgery. Detailed planning can help guide positioning in both routine and complex anatomy; occasionally a custom implant may be ordered when anatomy warrants it. These tools are intended to improve planning precision, not to guarantee an outcome. Read about advanced shoulder planning →
