Expert Shoulder Surgeon in Colorado Springs
When shoulder pain limits your life you need the care of an experienced orthopedic specialist who listens and guides you through every step. Dr. Chris Jones MD is a board certified shoulder surgeon in Colorado Springs with deep experience in modern arthroscopy and shoulder replacement.
Board Certified · Fellowship Trained · Clear Communication · Patient First
Overview
Total shoulder replacement surgery, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is designed to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients with advanced shoulder arthritis or joint damage. During this procedure, the damaged portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with smooth, durable components that mimic the joint’s natural movement. When performed by an experienced specialist like Dr. Jones, a leading shoulder surgeon in Colorado Springs, this surgery can significantly improve comfort and function for patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
- Stiffness or limited range of motion in the shoulder joint
- Grinding or clicking sensations with shoulder movement
- Pain that continues despite rest, physical therapy, or medication
Procedure Steps
During total shoulder replacement, Dr. Jones removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the shoulder joint and replaces them with specially shaped components that restore smooth movement. The new ball-and-socket joint is aligned to replicate the shoulder’s natural anatomy, helping reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Treatment and Recovery
After surgery, the arm is supported in a sling while the joint begins to heal. Physical therapy starts soon after the procedure to gently restore strength and mobility. Most patients notice steady improvement within a few months and can often return to daily activities or recreational sports once cleared by Dr. Jones. Following the recommended rehabilitation plan is essential for achieving long-term results and maintaining shoulder function.
Overview
Reverse shoulder replacement surgery is designed for patients whose rotator cuff is no longer functional. Instead of depending on these tendons for movement and stability, the procedure uses the deltoid muscle to power the arm. During this surgery, the normal ball-and-socket structure of the shoulder is reversed to create a more stable and efficient joint. This procedure often provides renewed strength and pain relief for individuals with severe rotator cuff damage or complex shoulder arthritis.
Common Symptoms
- Ongoing shoulder pain that limits daily activities
- Inability to lift the arm above shoulder level
- Weakness or loss of shoulder stability after a rotator cuff tear
- Arthritis combined with a torn rotator cuff
Procedure Steps
During reverse shoulder replacement surgery, Dr. Jones replaces the damaged shoulder components by positioning a metal ball on the shoulder blade side and a new socket on the upper arm bone. This reversed configuration shifts the joint’s center of motion, allowing the deltoid muscle to lift and stabilize the arm effectively, even without a functioning rotator cuff.
Treatment and Recovery
Physical therapy is introduced gradually to restore safe motion and strength. Most patients experience a dramatic reduction in pain within the first few weeks and regain comfortable use of their arm within several months. Full recovery can take up to a year, but significant improvement in strength, stability, and daily function usually occurs much sooner under Dr. Jones’s guidance.
Overview
Rotator cuff repair surgery restores the strength and stability of the shoulder after a tear in one or more of the rotator cuff tendons. These tendons work together to lift, rotate, and stabilize the arm, and when torn, they can cause persistent pain, weakness, and limited movement. Dr. Jones performs advanced arthroscopic techniques to repair these injuries and help patients regain shoulder function and return to the activities they enjoy.
Common Symptoms
- Shoulder pain that worsens with lifting or reaching overhead
- Weakness or difficulty raising the arm
- Clicking or catching sensations with movement
- Night pain that disrupts sleep
Procedure Steps
During rotator cuff repair surgery, Dr. Jones uses small incisions to access the shoulder joint with a camera and specialized instruments. Torn tendons are reattached securely to the bone using sutures or anchors. This minimally invasive approach reduces soft tissue trauma and allows for faster recovery compared to open surgery.
Treatment and Recovery
Physical therapy follows, progressing from gentle motion to strengthening exercises over time. Pain relief and improved shoulder strength are typically noticed within a few months, with continued gains as rehabilitation continues. Following Dr. Jones’s recovery plan is essential to achieving the best long-term results.
Overview
Shoulder instability and dislocations occur when the ball of the shoulder joint slips partially or completely out of its socket. This can happen after a traumatic injury, repeated overuse, or ligament weakness that prevents the joint from staying secure. Over time, recurrent dislocations can stretch the capsule and damage the labrum, making the shoulder prone to future instability. Dr. Jones performs precise arthroscopic and open repair techniques to restore stability and help patients regain confidence in their shoulder’s movement.
Common Symptoms
- Shoulder pain or a sensation of “slipping out of place”
- Partial or full dislocations during activity
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling after shoulder movement
- Loss of strength or range of motion due to repeated instability
Procedure Steps
During surgery, Dr. Jones repairs or tightens the torn ligaments and reattaches the labrum, the cartilage rim that keeps the shoulder socket stable. Arthroscopic methods are typically used, allowing for small incisions and a detailed view inside the joint. In some cases, an open procedure may be needed for greater stability, especially when bone loss or severe damage is present.
Treatment and Recovery
After surgery, the arm is supported in a sling while healing begins. Gentle motion exercises start within weeks, followed by gradual strengthening. Recovery times vary but often range from three to six months. Most patients notice improved stability within a few months and safely return to normal activity once cleared by Dr. Jones.
Overview
The acromioclavicular (AC) joint connects the collarbone to the top of the shoulder. Over time or after an injury, this joint can develop arthritis or inflammation, causing pain and stiffness during daily activities. When non-surgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections fail to provide relief, AC joint surgery can effectively reduce pain and restore smooth shoulder motion. Dr. Jones uses precise surgical techniques to remove damaged tissue and relieve pressure at the joint.
Common Symptoms
- Pain at the top of the shoulder, especially with lifting or reaching
- Tenderness over the AC joint
- Swelling or a visible bump at the joint
- Pain that worsens when sleeping on the affected shoulder
Procedure Steps
During AC joint surgery, Dr. Jones removes a small portion of the end of the collarbone to prevent the bones from rubbing together. This procedure, often called distal clavicle excision, allows scar tissue to form naturally in the space, creating a cushion that reduces pain and friction. It is usually performed arthroscopically through small incisions.
Treatment and Recovery
Most patients return home the same day and begin light exercises soon after surgery. Physical therapy helps rebuild shoulder strength and mobility while reducing stiffness. Pain relief is typically noticeable within a few weeks, with full recovery achieved over several months through guided rehabilitation and adherence to Dr. Jones’s recovery plan.
Overview
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat shoulder conditions such as early arthritis, cartilage damage, and bone spurs that cause pain or stiffness. This advanced technique allows Dr. Jones to view the inside of the joint through small incisions and carefully restore smoother motion by removing scar tissue or reshaping rough cartilage. For many patients, arthroscopic treatment provides meaningful pain relief and improved shoulder movement without requiring a total joint replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Shoulder pain that worsens with movement or activity
- Grinding, popping, or catching sensations in the joint
- Stiffness or loss of shoulder flexibility
- Pain that disrupts rest or sleep
Procedure Steps
During arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Dr. Jones inserts a small camera, known as an arthroscope, into the joint to examine the cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues. Using precision instruments, he removes bone spurs, smooths damaged cartilage, and releases tight joint structures to improve comfort and mobility. The procedure uses very small incisions, which helps reduce scarring and speeds recovery.
Treatment and Recovery
Most patients return home the same day and begin gentle movement exercises soon after surgery. Physical therapy helps restore shoulder strength and flexibility, and many notice less pain and improved motion within just a few weeks.
Patient Reviews & Testimonials
Hear from patients who chose Dr. Jones as their shoulder surgeon in Colorado Springs.
Dr. Jones is great. He is most interested in a positive outcome for his patients. His explanation of the procedure and care throughout was awesome. My shoulder replacement went very well. I am pain free for the first time in years thanks to Dr. Jones work.
As usual was great to see Dr.Jones! He did a reverse left shoulder replacement 3 years ago and the rotator cuff on my right shoulder 11/2 years ago.
He did a great job on both!
Dr. Jones is highly skilled and has a wonderful bedside manner. He took great care of me before, during, and after rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Jones and the entire team at Colorado Springs Orthopedic Group and Rehabilitation.
Just had my 6 week post op for rotator cuff surgery. All is good and well on my way back to doing stuff in the gym that I love to do. This is my 3rd shoulder surgery and two Dr Jones has done. I won’t let anyone Touch me besides The Doc
Training Experience and Philosophy
Dr. Christopher K. Jones MD is a board certified orthopedic and shoulder surgeon in Colorado Springs with Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He has practiced since two thousand three and specializes in shoulder, knee, and elbow care. He earned an Added Certificate of Qualification in Sports Medicine and has a special interest in total shoulder replacement and advanced arthroscopic techniques.
Dr. Jones completed medical education at Emory University, orthopedic residency at Duke University, and a sports medicine fellowship at Mississippi Sports Medicine. He serves as a team physician for local colleges and high schools and teaches other surgeons. As a lifelong athlete and Ironman competitor, he understands active goals and plans care that helps each patient return to the life they enjoy. His guiding principle is to treat every patient with the same dedication and precision he would expect for his own family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Chris Jones treats arthritis, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral injuries, bursitis, and complex fractures. He offers non surgical care and advanced surgery tailored to each patient.
Surgery is recommended when shoulder pain stiffness or weakness persists despite rest therapy medication or injections. Dr. Jones carefully evaluates your shoulder and imaging results before recommending a procedure.
A total shoulder replacement keeps the natural anatomy and is ideal when the rotator cuff is intact. A reverse shoulder replacement changes the ball and socket positions so the deltoid muscle can lift the arm when the cuff is damaged.
Light activity often resumes in a few weeks. Full recovery and strength return typically within three to six months depending on the procedure and commitment to therapy.
Complications are rare but can include infection, stiffness, bleeding, or temporary nerve irritation. Choosing an experienced shoulder surgeon like Dr. Jones greatly reduces these risks.
Yes. Therapy is essential to restore motion and protect the repair. Dr. Jones provides a detailed plan and coordinates with local physical therapists for smooth recovery.
Schedule an Appointment
Take the first steps toward relief with our shoulder surgeon in Colorado Springs. Call us or request an appointment online.
Address:
4110 Briargate Parkway #300,
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
