Shoulder Replacement Surgery

We provide comprehensive shoulder replacement care for arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, complex fractures and avascular necrosis.
Our team focuses on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based non-operative options, and modern shoulder arthroplasty (anatomic and reverse) with structured rehabilitation—so you can sleep better, reach higher, and return to the activities you love.

What Is a Shoulder Replacement?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head (ball) and glenoid (socket). When cartilage is worn or the rotator cuff fails, the joint becomes painful and stiff.
In a shoulder replacement, the damaged surfaces are replaced with smooth, durable implants (metal and high-grade polyethylene) that replicate natural movement and relieve pain.

  • Goal: reduce pain, restore motion and function, improve sleep and quality of life.
  • Who benefits: patients with severe arthritis, irreparable rotator cuff tears, complex fractures, or avascular necrosis who have not improved with non-operative care.

Conditions That May Require Shoulder Replacement

  • Osteoarthritis of the shoulder (wear-and-tear)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthritis
  • Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (irreparable cuff + arthritis)
  • Post-traumatic arthritis after fractures or dislocations
  • Avascular necrosis of the humeral head
  • Complex proximal humerus fractures not suitable for fixation

Non-Operative Treatment Options

We always consider conservative care first and tailor it to your goals and timelines.

  • Targeted physiotherapy—pain-free range, scapular control, rotator cuff and deltoid balance
  • Medications—paracetamol, short courses of anti-inflammatories (if suitable)
  • Injections—corticosteroid or PRP when appropriate
  • Activity modification—load management, sleep strategies
  • Bone health optimisation—vitamin D, osteoporosis screening if indicated
  • Weight management & prehab—to improve surgical readiness if needed

Types of Shoulder Replacement

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement

The ball is replaced with a metal head and the socket is resurfaced with a medical-grade plastic component. Best suited when the rotator cuff is intact.

  • Designed to restore natural biomechanics
  • Strong outcomes for primary osteoarthritis

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

The implant positions are reversed: a ball on the shoulder blade and a socket on the arm bone.
This allows the deltoid muscle to power shoulder elevation when the rotator cuff is irreparable.

  • Ideal for cuff tear arthropathy and complex fractures
  • Improves overhead reach and pain in massive cuff tears

Hemiarthroplasty (Partial Replacement)

Only the humeral head (ball) is replaced. Considered for select fractures or some cases of avascular necrosis.

Preparing for Surgery

  • Imaging—X-rays; CT for 3D planning and glenoid version if needed
  • Medical optimisation—blood tests and peri-operative physician review
  • Prehabilitation—gentle range, deltoid conditioning, sleep and pain strategies
  • Shared decision-making—we discuss expected benefits, risks, implant choice, and recovery timelines

The Shoulder Replacement Procedure

  1. Anaesthesia & nerve block for comfort during and after surgery
  2. Precise exposure and protection of nerves and soft tissues
  3. Removal of damaged bone & cartilage with accurate cuts
  4. Implant placement—size and position customised to your anatomy
  5. Closure & dressing—to support healing and reduce infection risk

Typical operative time: 90–120 minutes; usual stay: same-day to 1–3 nights (depends on health status and supports).

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Phase 1 (Weeks 0–2)

  • Sling for comfort and protection
  • Hand, wrist, and elbow movements; gentle passive shoulder range as advised
  • Swelling control, sleep support, nerve block wearing off

Phase 2 (Weeks 3–6)

  • Progress passive–assisted range; introduce active movement
  • Scapular control, posture and deltoid activation

Phase 3 (Weeks 6–12)

  • Strength building—rotator cuff (anatomic) or deltoid-focused (reverse)
  • Functional tasks: reaching shelves, dressing, light household chores

Phase 4 (3–12 months)

  • Work and sport-specific progressions (swimming, cycling, golf)
  • Ongoing strength and flexibility for durability

Most patients achieve strong pain relief and useful function by 3–6 months, with improvements continuing toward 12 months.

Risks & How We Reduce Them

  • Infection: antibiotics, sterile protocols, wound care education
  • Nerve or vessel injury: careful exposure and protection
  • Instability/dislocation: implant selection, soft-tissue balancing, sling use
  • Stiffness: early guided motion with physiotherapy
  • Loosening/wear: modern implants, accurate placement, activity guidance
  • Medical risks: DVT/PE mitigation, medical optimisation, early mobilisation

Expected Results & Longevity

The vast majority of patients report substantial pain relief, better sleep and easier daily activities.
With appropriate activity levels and good bone health, modern shoulder replacements can last 15–20 years or more.

We will discuss realistic activity targets (e.g., swimming, cycling, golf, gym) and any restrictions needed to protect your new joint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reverse or anatomic shoulder replacement?

If your rotator cuff is intact with primary osteoarthritis, an anatomic total shoulder is often preferred. If your cuff is irreparable or you have cuff tear arthropathy or certain fractures, a reverse shoulder may provide better function and pain relief.

How long will I be in a sling?

Most patients use a sling for 2–4 weeks for comfort and safety. Your physiotherapist will guide a staged return to movement.

When can I drive and return to work?

Once you have safe control of the arm and are off strong pain medications—often around 4–6 weeks—you may consider driving. Return to work depends on your role; desk roles are typically earlier than manual work.

Will I set off airport scanners?

Possibly. Your joint will not be harmed, and you can advise security that you have a shoulder prosthesis.

Next Steps

If shoulder pain is limiting sleep, work or sport despite physiotherapy and medications, we can help.
We’ll confirm your diagnosis, map a non-operative plan where appropriate, and discuss whether shoulder replacement surgery is the right next step.