General Procedure Information
Shoulder Joint Replacement
Shoulder joint replacement may be considered for selected severe shoulder arthritis, particular fractures or rotator-cuff-related arthropathy. The replacement type is selected individually according to joint, bone and tendon status.
What Is It?
Shoulder replacement uses prosthetic components to replace damaged joint surfaces. Options can include hemiarthroplasty, anatomical total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement. They rely on different muscles and suit different situations, so an X-ray or “shoulder pain” alone does not determine the choice.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Persistent shoulder pain, night pain, stiffness or reduced function materially affects life and matches the joint diagnosis
- Appropriate non-operative care has not provided acceptable pain control or functional improvement
- The surgeon has assessed the rotator cuff, bone quality, joint deformity, neurological function, infection risk and activity goals
What Are the Alternatives?
- Depending on the cause: physiotherapy, activity adjustment, pain management, injection treatment or a more limited procedure
- Joint replacement should not be viewed as standard treatment for all shoulder pain, frozen shoulder or tendon tears
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Pre-operative assessment may include shoulder examination, X-ray, CT or MRI, overall health, infection and clot risk, home support and rehabilitation needs. The hospital team confirms the anaesthetic, implant, approach and admission arrangements.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and nerve or blood-vessel injury
- Dislocation, stiffness, persistent pain, implant loosening or wear, fracture and possible further surgery
- Movement and strength may not fully return to the level before injury or degeneration
General Recovery Approach
Early recovery commonly focuses on the wound, sling, pain control and safe arm use. Range of motion, scapular control, strength and daily function then progress according to replacement type and medical advice. Do not substitute another person’s or an online timetable for your individual plan.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Shoulder and Elbow Registry
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.