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Shoulder joint replacement surgery
- Rated ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by 97% of orthopaedic patients
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care, as reported by PHIN
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Shoulder joint replacement surgery at HCA UK
Why choose us?
If you’re suffering from persistent shoulder pain and stiffness, we can help. At HCA UK, we offer fast access to the latest imaging technology, so we can accurately diagnose your condition.
Our highly skilled orthopaedic team comprises dedicated shoulder specialists, who have the experience and knowledge to tailor every aspect of your treatment to your specific injury or condition, even in the most complex cases.
Not only do we treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, but 97% of our orthopaedic patients are likely to recommend us to their family and friends.
Our highly skilled orthopaedic team comprises dedicated shoulder specialists, who have the experience and knowledge to tailor every aspect of your treatment to your specific injury or condition, even in the most complex cases.
Not only do we treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, but 97% of our orthopaedic patients are likely to recommend us to their family and friends.
Also known as shoulder arthroplasty, shoulder joint replacement surgery involves removing worn or damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial ones.
Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The top of the bone in the upper arm (humerus) sits in the socket (glenoid cavity) of the shoulder blade. Ligaments and tendons keep the joint in place.
In a healthy joint, the ball should move freely in its socket. If the shoulder is damaged by injury or the cartilage covering the top of the humerus or glenoid is worn away due to an arthritic condition, it can become painful and stiff.
If this happens and non-surgical treatments are not effective in reducing pain and stiffness in the joint, shoulder joint replacement surgery may be recommended.
Your shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The top of the bone in the upper arm (humerus) sits in the socket (glenoid cavity) of the shoulder blade. Ligaments and tendons keep the joint in place.
In a healthy joint, the ball should move freely in its socket. If the shoulder is damaged by injury or the cartilage covering the top of the humerus or glenoid is worn away due to an arthritic condition, it can become painful and stiff.
If this happens and non-surgical treatments are not effective in reducing pain and stiffness in the joint, shoulder joint replacement surgery may be recommended.
You may be advised to have surgery if your persistent shoulder pain is caused by arthritis or a serious injury.
Athritis
The two main types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint are:
Serious injury
Surgery may also be recommended if you've suffered an injury that has resulted in significant damage to your shoulder, such as massive rotator cuff failure. This is when all the rotator cuff tendons have torn and you cannot move your shoulder properly, even though the cartilage is intact. A special type of shoulder replacement, called a ‘reverse’, can restore movement in this situation.
Athritis
The two main types of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint are:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative condition that causes joint cartilage to gradually wear away due to the ageing process. However, it can sometimes affect younger people who play sports, especially those with a history of shoulder injuries. If osteoarthritis occurs after an injury, it's referred to as post-traumatic arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation and damaged cartilage. This can also cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.
Serious injury
Surgery may also be recommended if you've suffered an injury that has resulted in significant damage to your shoulder, such as massive rotator cuff failure. This is when all the rotator cuff tendons have torn and you cannot move your shoulder properly, even though the cartilage is intact. A special type of shoulder replacement, called a ‘reverse’, can restore movement in this situation.
There are several non-surgical treatment options, which include:
Rest: If your shoulder joint damage has been caused by an injury, the initial treatment is likely to be rest with frequent, gentle movement. After the first two days, you might be advised to begin moving the joint as normal, if you're able to.
Physiotherapy: This includes a series of gentle physical exercises, which are tailored to you and your condition, to help you regain movement of the shoulder joint and reduce pain. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on the severity of your condition.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), these reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain.
Steroid injections: These are used to target the specific joint. Although the injections won’t cure the underlying issue, they can provide you with pain relief and reduce swelling in the joint in the short term.
Your consultant may recommend shoulder joint replacement surgery if non-surgical options haven’t worked or your symptoms are severe.
Rest: If your shoulder joint damage has been caused by an injury, the initial treatment is likely to be rest with frequent, gentle movement. After the first two days, you might be advised to begin moving the joint as normal, if you're able to.
Physiotherapy: This includes a series of gentle physical exercises, which are tailored to you and your condition, to help you regain movement of the shoulder joint and reduce pain. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on the severity of your condition.
Anti-inflammatory medication: Also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), these reduce inflammation in the body and relieve pain.
Steroid injections: These are used to target the specific joint. Although the injections won’t cure the underlying issue, they can provide you with pain relief and reduce swelling in the joint in the short term.
Your consultant may recommend shoulder joint replacement surgery if non-surgical options haven’t worked or your symptoms are severe.
Total shoulder arthroplasty involves replacing both the ball and socket during surgery and replacing them with a titanium stem, which is inserted into the humerus, and a metal ball.
In some cases, a partial shoulder replacement is carried out. This procedure replaces just the ball section of the joint.
In some cases, a partial shoulder replacement is carried out. This procedure replaces just the ball section of the joint.
The main benefit you’ll notice is a significant reduction in pain. The joint replacement enables the shoulder to move freely and without friction, so you'll experience greater mobility and movement of the joint, allowing you to carry out regular activities without restriction. You should be able to resume playing sports, such as golf, tennis, pickleball or cricket, once you have fully recovered from surgery.
Surgery can be especially helpful if you have significant pain or difficulty when undertaking everyday tasks, such as driving or working, and non-invasive treatments or medication didn’t help.
Surgery can be especially helpful if you have significant pain or difficulty when undertaking everyday tasks, such as driving or working, and non-invasive treatments or medication didn’t help.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist shoulder and elbow consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
SHOULDER JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY
What to expect
From the moment you see us for your shoulder appointment or treatment, until you’re ready to leave, we want you to feel as comfortable and reassured as possible.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
One of the ways we can put you at ease is to let you know what to expect at each stage.
If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, or in the FAQ section below, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help in any way they can.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve self-referred or have a referral from your GP, the first step is always an initial consultation with one of our shoulder specialists.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your shoulder and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
At this appointment, your consultant will ask about your medical history, carry out a physical examination of your shoulder and arrange any necessary investigative diagnostic tests.
02
Tests and scans
At HCA UK, you’ll have access to the UK’s most comprehensive private diagnostics network.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view your shoulder joint in more detail so they can make a diagnosis.
Your consultant will share your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. If you need surgery, they’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you’re aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
Your consultant may arrange for you to have an X-ray or an MRI scan. These will let your consultant view your shoulder joint in more detail so they can make a diagnosis.
Your consultant will share your results with you and recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. If you need surgery, they’ll explain the procedure to you, ensuring you’re aware of every detail so you know what to expect, and answer any questions you may have.
You’ll also be given information on what you need to do to prepare for your surgery.
03
Surgery
A general anaesthetic is normally given for a total shoulder joint replacement surgery, which means you'll be unconscious throughout the procedure. If you're given a local anaesthetic, you'll remain awake but won’t feel any pain. Your consultant will discuss with you which method of anaesthesia will be best.
The damaged parts of your shoulder joint will be removed (usually both the ball and socket). Your consultant will then replace them with the new components. These normally comprise a titanium stem, which is inserted into the humerus, and a metal ball. The surface skin cut will be closed with stitches and the area covered with a dressing.
The operation usually takes around two hours, depending on its complexity.
The damaged parts of your shoulder joint will be removed (usually both the ball and socket). Your consultant will then replace them with the new components. These normally comprise a titanium stem, which is inserted into the humerus, and a metal ball. The surface skin cut will be closed with stitches and the area covered with a dressing.
The operation usually takes around two hours, depending on its complexity.
04
After surgery
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, we’ll monitor you closely in the recovery room before taking you to a ward. There’ll be some pain from the surgery, so we’ll keep you comfortable with pain relief medication.
Your arm will be in a brace to encourage healing, but you'll be able to take this off for your recommended physiotherapy exercises, which usually begin a day or two after surgery.
We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment so your consultant can assess your recovery and remove any stitches from your wound.
Your arm will be in a brace to encourage healing, but you'll be able to take this off for your recommended physiotherapy exercises, which usually begin a day or two after surgery.
We’ll arrange a follow-up appointment so your consultant can assess your recovery and remove any stitches from your wound.
Locations
Access our shoulder treatments at our hospitals across London and in Birmingham and Cheshire. Our private hospitals have a higher proportion of 'Outstanding' ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) than any other private healthcare group in the UK.
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Shoulder replacement surgery FAQs
A shoulder joint replacement typically lasts 15 years before it wears out. Your consultant will be happy to answer any questions about how long the replacement will last and when it will need replacing.
All surgeries come with a risk and your consultant will explain these to you so you can decide whether you wish to go ahead with the procedure or not.
Complications during shoulder joint replacement surgery are rare, but the following can sometimes occur:
Complications during shoulder joint replacement surgery are rare, but the following can sometimes occur:
- Infection: This can occur locally at the site of the wound, but is rare provided it is kept clean and dry
- Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves or arteries is uncommon but there is a small risk with this type of surgery
- Loose shoulder joint: There is a small risk that the glenoid can become loose following surgery
- Unstable joint: The ball can move out of the socket (dislocation)
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. After around eight weeks, you should be able to use the arm without restrictions.
During this time, you’ll continue with your physiotherapy exercises and rehabilitation to help regain movement in your shoulder.
It might take up to six months to be completely pain-free. By this time, you should have a return to near-normal movement and strength.
The exact time of your recovery process will depend on a variety of factors such as:
- The condition of your shoulder muscles and tendons before surgery
- If there are any complications
- Your overall health
- Your commitment to following your rehabilitation programme
You'll need to wait around six to eight weeks before driving. However, this will depend on your recovery, pain and mobility. Your consultant will be able to advise you on this.
Your consultant will let you know exactly when you can get back to normal activities, including work, but this will depend on your recovery and the nature of your job. If you have a desk job, you could be able to return to work after around three weeks. If your job is more labour-intensive or requires manual work, you might need to wait up to four months.
Our patients’ stories
An Olympian effort: Chris’ fast-track to recovery
When Chris was told the surgery he needed on his shoulder would likely make him unable to compete professionally in 2023, Chris dug deep into those reserves and hoped he could excel once more.
“When I called Professor Funk, I expected to have to wait months. But he invited me down the next day. It was the quickest I’d ever seen a consultant.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.