Shoulder surgery

Restoring function and reducing pain. Imagine your shoulder as a ball and socket joint. During total shoulder joint replacement surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged components of your shoulder and replaces them with new, smooth, and durable parts made from metal and plastic. This procedure is specifically designed to help reduce pain, enhance your range of motion, and enable you to return to everyday activities, such as reaching, lifting, or even playing sports. Most patients report that after recovery from total shoulder joint replacement, they can move their shoulder more easily and enjoy a better quality of life.

Patients with severe shoulder arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis) causing pain and limited function. Those with loss of daily activity function (difficulty dressing, lifting, or reaching). Non-surgical treatments (physiotherapy, medications, injections) have failed.

May vary with provider. Hospital stay: 1–3 days. Early recovery: Arm immobilised in a sling for 2–4 weeks; gentle passive movement exercises may begin immediately. Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy progresses gradually from passive to active-assisted to active exercises over 6–12 weeks. Return to daily activities: 6–12 weeks, depending on mobility and pain. Full recovery: 6–12 months for strength and function; heavy lifting may be restricted long-term.

Significant pain relief. Improved range of motion and shoulder function. Restoration of independence in daily activities. High patient satisfaction and long-term durability (typically 10–20 years).

Infection, bleeding, blood clots. Nerve or blood vessel injury. Dislocation or instability of the prosthesis. Loosening or wear of the implant over time. Persistent pain or limited motion. Need for revision surgery in the future. This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent. Total shoulder replacement can dramatically improve pain and function, but recovery is slower than knee or hip replacement, and success depends on rehabilitation and rotator cuff integrity.

A targeted approach to shoulder pain. Partial shoulder joint replacement, also known as shoulder hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which part of the upper bone in the arm is replaced with a prosthetic metal implant, while leaving the other half of the shoulder joint (the socket) intact. This procedure is designed to restore functionality and improve the range of motion in your shoulder. Following partial shoulder joint replacement, most patients experience significant reductions in pain and enhanced shoulder performance, allowing them to return to daily activities with greater ease.

Patients with arthritis or damage limited to the humeral head of the shoulder, while the glenoid (socket) remains relatively healthy. Often indicated for: Osteonecrosis of the humeral head. Post-traumatic arthritis with an intact glenoid. Certain fractures of the upper part of the humerus bone in older adults. Patients with a functional rotator cuff are better candidates. Not suitable if the glenoid cartilage is significantly damaged.

May vary with provider. Hospital stay: 1–3 days. Early recovery: Arm is immobilised in a sling for 2–4 weeks; gentle passive movements usually begin immediately. Rehabilitation: Gradual physiotherapy from passive to active exercises over 6–12 weeks. Return to daily activities: 6–12 weeks. Full recovery: 6–12 months, depending on age, healing, and rehab adherence.

Preserves the glenoid, removing only the damaged humeral head. Less invasive than total shoulder replacement. Relieves pain and improves shoulder function for selected patients. Shorter recovery and potentially fewer complications than total replacement.

Infection or bleeding. Nerve or blood vessel injury. Shoulder instability or dislocation. Wear or loosening of the prosthesis. Persistent pain or limited motion. May require conversion to total shoulder replacement later. This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent. Partial shoulder replacement is ideal for patients with localised humeral damage, offering pain relief and functional improvement while preserving the natural socket.