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A surgeon at The Christ Hospital Health Network has performed a new minimally invasive shoulder replacement procedure, becoming one of the first in the United States to do so. Dr. Paul Favorito, Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon and Division Chief of Shoulder and Upper Extremity Services at The Christ Hospital Health Network, was the first in the Midwest to use this technique.
Dr. Favorito was among nine surgeons globally who helped develop the new instrumentation for this procedure, collaborating with engineers from Johnson and Johnson MedTech. Unlike traditional shoulder replacement surgeries, which involve cutting rotator cuff tendons and require patients to wear a sling for up to six weeks, the new method allows patients to start moving their arm within days. The standard recovery time of six months may now be reduced to as little as six to twelve weeks.
“This is one of the biggest breakthroughs in shoulder replacement surgeries in years,” said Dr. Favorito. “By not cutting and then repairing the rotator cuff tendon during surgery, patients will have quicker recovery times. This project, which began four years ago, will be a gamechanger. While we have had success with the current procedure, it’s important to take part in research and development to shorten recovery times and create better outcomes for our patients. The Christ Hospital Health Network is proud to be part of pioneering this revolutionary procedure that we believe will be the standard for patients moving forward.”
Dr. Favorito plans to teach this new procedure to other surgeons across the country at upcoming courses in the fall and winter.
The Christ Hospital Health Network includes an acute care hospital in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital in Liberty Township, eight outpatient centers, and numerous medical offices throughout the region. The network employs over 1,300 physicians and more than 7,200 staff members. It was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top hospital in the Cincinnati Region and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list for 2025.
