In shoulder replacements, the ball and socket of the shoulder are replaced with titanium and plastic implants. The most common replacement done in our practice currently is called a reverse total shoulder, in which the native shoulder socket is replaced with a metal ball, and the native ball is replaced with a plastic socket attached to a titanium stem. This is a relatively new procedure which is producing good results, and can be done when patients have damage to the tendons in their shoulder which a conventional shoulder replacement cannot.

The surgery is done under a general anaesthetic often with a local anaesthetic block. Most patients go home the next day in a shoulder immobilizer which will be provided for you. There will be instructions in terms of activity afterwards which vary from case to case. Usually outpatient physiotherapy starts two weeks after the surgery. Most patients have reasonable shoulder function 3 to 6 months after the surgery.