Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery is often linked directly to severe arthritis.

Prior to any surgical procedure your consultant will attempt other non surgical avenues such as steroid injections, physiotherapy or pain relief to try and alleviate the problem, however when the pain can no longer be managed by these techniques surgery is the favoured option.

Amongst the many benefits of surgery are to enable a better night's rest for the patient if they are suffering from night pain, improvement of the patient's shoulder movement and a high reduction of pain.

Surgery is carried out under general anaesthetic and takes approximately an hour and a half.

The procedure involves your surgeon making a cut at the front of the shoulder. Your damaged and arthritic ball socket is then completely removed and replaced with an artificial, in most cases, metal ball. Occasionally there is also a requirement for the replacement of the socket of the shoulder with a plastic surface.

The operation will be performed under a general anaesthetic, however you will usually be allowed home on the same day. We advise that a family member or friend collect you from the hospital following the treatment.

We advise you to discuss any questions you may have with your consultant prior to the procedure.

With the operation taking between 3 and 6 months to recover from it is important that you continue to enjoy regular exercise to help the recovery process.

The physiotherapy team will give you a course of exercises and will be on hand throughout the rehabilitation process should any advice be required.

This procedure will normally be covered by your medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with their provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.