Total shoulder joint replacement surgery
From £7,184 at accredited European hospitals
What is total shoulder replacement surgery?
Total shoulder replacement surgery, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is a procedure in which a specialist orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint and replaces them with precisely engineered artificial components.
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the rounded head of the humerus (upper arm bone) and the socket is the glenoid, a shallow cup in the shoulder blade. When the cartilage lining this joint wears away — most commonly due to osteoarthritis — the surfaces begin to rub together, causing persistent pain, stiffness and a progressive loss of range of motion.
During total shoulder replacement, both the ball and socket are replaced. The humeral head is replaced with a metal stem and ball, and the glenoid socket is resurfaced with a smooth plastic component. These implants recreate the mechanics of a healthy shoulder, allowing more comfortable and functional movement.
Unlike knee or hip replacement, recovery from shoulder replacement takes longer and depends significantly on the condition of the rotator cuff muscles surrounding the joint. Your surgeon will assess rotator cuff integrity before recommending the most appropriate type of replacement for your situation.
Through My Medical Gateway, total shoulder replacement surgery is available at accredited hospitals in Lithuania, Romania and Spain.
Am I a candidate for total shoulder replacement?
Total shoulder replacement is most commonly recommended for patients who:
- Have 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.
Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.
What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?
Treatment packages typically include:
- Pre-operative diagnosis and consultations with your specialist
- The surgical procedure, including graft materials and all surgical equipment
- Hospital accommodation for the duration of your stay, often day surgery or a one-night stay
- Nursing care and initial post-operative physiotherapy
- 90-day check-up with your surgical team
Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included. Our MMG coordination team can advise on travel planning.
Partner hospitals for shoulder replacement surgery
Total shoulder replacement surgery is available at four My Medical Gateway partner hospitals across Europe. Our partner destinations include Lithuania, Romania and Spain, all of which offer accredited orthopaedic facilities with specialist shoulder surgery teams. Prices shown are for the treatment package only, excluding flights and accommodation.
Recovery after total shoulder replacement
May vary with provider
Recovery from shoulder replacement takes longer than knee or hip replacement, and patients should plan for a gradual return to full function over several months. As a general guide:
- 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.
Rehabilitation is a critical part of the outcome from shoulder replacement and patients should expect to continue with physiotherapy for several months after returning home.
Benefits of total shoulder replacement surgery
- 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).
Risks and considerations
- 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.
Why choose My Medical Gateway?
My Medical Gateway works only with carefully selected European hospitals chosen for clinical quality, safety and proven outcomes.
Every hospital on the My Medical Gateway platform is assessed for clinical and quality standards before being made available to patients. We work exclusively with specialist orthopaedic departments with established track records in procedures including total shoulder replacement surgery.
Many patients come to us having waited 20 weeks or more for an NHS referral, or having received a UK private quote that feels out of reach. Our purpose is to connect you with the right European hospital quickly and safely, at a price that makes the decision easier.
When you enquire with My Medical Gateway, you will speak with a member of our UK-based patient coordination team. We will guide you through your hospital options, explain the process clearly and support you from initial enquiry through to your return home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between total and partial shoulder replacement?
Total shoulder replacement replaces both the ball (humeral head) and the socket (glenoid surface) of the shoulder joint. Partial shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder hemiarthroplasty, replaces only the humeral head and is most commonly used where the socket remains in good condition. My Medical Gateway also offers partial shoulder replacement at selected partner hospitals.
How long will I need to wear a sling after shoulder replacement?
Most patients wear a sling for 2 to 4 weeks following total shoulder replacement, with the arm kept relatively immobile to allow the soft tissues to heal. Gentle passive movement exercises may begin earlier, guided by your physiotherapist. The exact duration will depend on your specific procedure and your surgeon's protocol.
Will I be able to return to sport or overhead activities after shoulder replacement?
Many patients return to low-impact leisure activities within 3 to 6 months of surgery. However, high-impact sports, heavy lifting and repetitive overhead activities may be restricted long-term, as these can accelerate implant wear. Your surgeon will advise on what activities are appropriate based on your implant type, rotator cuff condition and individual progress through rehabilitation.
What is the rotator cuff and why does it matter for shoulder replacement?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling a wide range of movement. In total shoulder replacement, the rotator cuff muscles continue to function and help control the new implant. If the rotator cuff is significantly damaged or torn, a standard total shoulder replacement may not perform as well, and a reverse shoulder replacement may be more appropriate. Assessing rotator cuff integrity, typically through MRI or clinical examination, is a key part of the pre-operative planning process.
How soon can I fly home after shoulder replacement surgery?
Most patients are well enough to travel home within 7 to 10 days of surgery (short haul), though this depends on your individual recovery and your surgeon's assessment. Blood clot risk is a consideration for any post-operative patient travelling by air, and your clinical team will advise on compression and any medication appropriate to your situation.