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Shoulder Replacement

Overview

A shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) involves replacing the damaged ball-and-socket surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial components. Surgery can be anatomic (copying natural anatomy) or reverse (socket on the arm side, ball on the shoulder side) depending on rotator-cuff status. It is recommended when pain and stiffness from arthritis, fractures or massive cuff tears prevent everyday activities and non-operative treatments no longer help. Our consultant shoulder surgeons at The New Foscote Hospital provide rapid diagnosis, state-of-the-art implant options and enhanced-recovery physiotherapy to restore pain-free movement.

Conditions That May Lead to Shoulder Replacement

Primary osteoarthritisProgressive cartilage wear causing deep, aching pain and crepitus
Post-traumatic arthritisPrevious fracture or dislocation leading to early joint degeneration
Massive, irreparable
rotator-cuff tear
“Cuff-tear arthropathy” with weakness and superior migration of the humeral head
Inflammatory arthritisRheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis attacking joint surfaces
Avascular necrosisLoss of blood supply after trauma, steroids or alcoholism
Failed previous surgeryMal-united fractures, failed fixation or prosthesis

Key Symptoms

  • Constant, deep shoulder pain, often disturbing sleep
  • Stiffness and reduced range of movement (unable to reach hair or high shelves)
  • Grinding or catching sensation with rotation
  • Loss of strength for lifting, dressing or driving
  • Reduced quality of life despite pain-killers, injections or physiotherapy

If these symptoms persist for > 6 months and limit daily activities, shoulder-replacement assessment is appropriate.

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital

  • Consultant examination – strength, range, rotator-cuff integrity.
  • Digital X-rays – assess joint space, bone loss, deformity.
  • CT scan – 3-D planning of glenoid bone stock and implant positioning.
  • Ultrasound or MRI if rotator-cuff status is unclear.
  • Shared review of imaging and treatment options the same day.

Treatment Pathway

Non-operative measures first

  • Activity modification, physiotherapy, NSAIDs
  • Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection or hydrodilatation for frozen shoulder

Surgical options

  • Anatomic total shoulder replacement – intact rotator cuff, good glenoid bone
  • Reverse shoulder replacement – cuff-deficient shoulders, complex fractures
  • Hemi-arthroplasty or resurfacing – selected young/low-demand patients

Enhanced-recovery rehab

  • Sling 2–4 weeks (reverse) or 4–6 weeks (anatomic)
  • On-site physiotherapy: passive stretching → active motion → strengthening
  • Driving ≈ 6 weeks; return to golf/swimming ≈ 12–16 weeks (individualised)

Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

  • Consultant shoulder arthroplasty surgeons with Fellowship training
  • MRI and patient-specific instrumentation for optimal implant fit
  • Dedicated shoulder physiotherapists in our on-site rehab gym
  • Day-case or single-night stay with private en-suite rooms and free parking
  • Short waiting lists, personalised care and direct consultant access

Take the next step

Shoulder pain stopping you enjoying life? Arrange a specialist review today.

Main entrance at The New Foscote Hospital

Orthopaedic Consultant

Our distinguished team of orthopaedic consultant is here to provide expert support and personalised care.

Mr Joel Humphrey Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

Joel Humphrey

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

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