Shoulder joint replacement surgery
Replacing your damaged shoulder joint
A surgical procedure to reduce shoulder joint pain after other methods of treatment have been exhausted
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Your consultant may recommend shoulder joint replacement surgery if non-surgical options like physiotherapy and medication aren't working.
Need to know
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What happens during a shoulder replacement? icon plus
Your surgeon will access your shoulder joint by making a cut, usually down the front of your shoulder. Depending on the type of replacement you need, your surgeon will either replace just the ball, or the ball and stem, with a metal or plastic one.
After completing the replacement your surgeon will close the cut with stitches or clips and cover the area with a dressing. The operation usually takes around two hours, depending on its complexity. You will either be under general anaesthetic or you'll be given a regional anaesthetic, where you remain awake with the shoulder completely numbed. -
How to prepare for shoulder surgery icon plus
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for your surgery and answer any questions you may have. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will tell you know long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
After surgery icon plus
You will be given painkillers to combat any pain you may experience immediately after surgery. Depending on your general level of fitness, you may need to stay in hospital for between two and five nights.
You should be able to use the arm that was operated on to start doing simple activities such as eating, dressing and bathing within two weeks of surgery. You should be able to drive after a further four weeks.
Your consultant will let you know exactly when you can get back to normal activities, including work or exercise.
Paying for medical treatment
Our shoulder consultants
Our locations in London
From complex shoulder surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Platinum Medical Centre
15 - 17 Lodge Road
London
NW8 7JA
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre
Roman House
296 Golders Green Road, Golders Green
London NW11 9PY
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The Wellington Hospital Elstree Waterfront
The Waterfront Business Park
Beaufort House, Elstree Road
Elstree WD6 3BS
Private shoulder joint surgery in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private shoulder joint surgery in Manchester
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HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request a shoulder or elbow appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced upper limb consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344