Partial shoulder replacement surgery in Europe
From £9,324 at accredited European hospitals
What Is Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
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.
Unlike total shoulder replacement, which replaces both the ball and socket, partial shoulder replacement focuses solely on replacing the damaged humeral head while preserving the natural glenoid socket. It is used where damage or disease is limited to the humeral head and the socket remains in sufficiently good condition.
Through My Medical Gateway, partial shoulder replacement surgery is available at accredited hospitals in Romania and Spain, with packages starting from £9,324.
Who is a Candidate for partial shoulder replacement?
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
A functional rotator cuff is important for a good outcome from this procedure. Candidates with significant rotator cuff damage may be better suited to a different type of shoulder replacement.
Not suitable if the glenoid cartilage is significantly damaged.
Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment, including review of imaging, before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.
Partial shoulder replacement recovery timeline
(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.
What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?
Treatment Packages typically include:
- Pre-operative assessment and consultations with your specialist
- The surgical procedure, including all implant components and surgical equipment
- Hospital accommodation for the duration of your inpatient stay, typically 1 to 3 nights
- Nursing care and initial in-hospital physiotherapy
- Post-operative follow-up with your surgical team.
Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included in the prices shown.
Benefits of Partial Shoulder Replacement
- 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.
Risks of Partial Shoulder 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.
Accredited Hospitals for Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Partial Shoulder Replacement Surgery is available at 5 My Medical Gateway accredited hospitals in Romania and Spain. All four Spanish hospitals are part of the HM Hospitales group. Prices shown are for the Treatment Package only, excluding flights and accommodation.
Hospitals
Our Specialist Surgeons
Every Partial Shoulder Replacement procedure through My Medical Gateway is performed by a named, qualified specialist orthopaedic surgeon at your chosen accredited hospital. All surgeons practise within nationally regulated healthcare systems and are credentialled in their field.
We will introduce you to the specific surgeon who will be performing your procedure as part of the pre-operative consultation process. If you would like to know more about the surgical team at a specific hospital before enquiring, our UK-based team is happy to provide further detail.
Why choose My Medical Gateway?
My Medical Gateway is not a comparison site. We work with a carefully selected group of Accredited European Hospitals offering partial shoulder replacement surgery. Every hospital has been assessed for clinical quality and safety before being made available to patients.
Partial shoulder replacement is appropriate only for specific patients and requires careful pre-operative assessment. Our team will ensure you are connected with a specialist who has the experience to advise on whether this procedure is right for your individual condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total shoulder replacement is more appropriate where arthritis or damage affects both the humeral head and the glenoid socket. If the socket cartilage is significantly worn or damaged, replacing only the ball is unlikely to relieve pain effectively and may lead to progressive deterioration of the socket surface over time. Your specialist will assess both surfaces of the joint using imaging and clinical examination to advise on the most appropriate procedure for your specific condition.
Private partial shoulder replacement surgery in the UK typically costs between £11,000 and £14,000 depending on the hospital and your individual requirements. Through My Medical Gateway, Treatment Packages at accredited European hospitals start from £9,324, excluding flights and accommodation.
Partial shoulder replacement is generally a shorter procedure than total shoulder replacement, typically taking between 1 and 2 hours under general anaesthetic.
Partial shoulder replacement implants are generally designed to last 10 to 20 years. However, long-term outcomes can be affected by the progression of arthritis in the glenoid socket, which may eventually require conversion to a total shoulder replacement. Younger and more active patients may be at greater risk of needing revision surgery over time. Your surgeon will discuss expected longevity during your pre-operative consultation.
All partial shoulder replacement procedures through My Medical Gateway are performed by named, specialist orthopaedic surgeons practising within nationally regulated healthcare environments. You will be introduced to the surgeon performing your procedure during your pre-operative consultation, before any treatment is confirmed. You are encouraged to ask about their qualifications and experience with this specific procedure. My Medical Gateway will not proceed with any treatment without your fully informed consent.