The world-class team of JRC orthopaedic surgeons specialise in diagnosing and treating all kinds of shoulder and elbow conditions, ranging from the routine to the highly complex. Most procedures are performed using keyhole surgery, reducing recovery times and allowing rehabilitation to begin sooner.
Shoulder Replacement
When you think about all the pulling, pushing
and lifting a shoulder performs, no wonder it’s
the most mobile joint in your body.
About a Total Shoulder Replacement
A total shoulder replacement (or ‘TSR’) is a surgical procedure which replaces the entire shoulder joint (the ‘glenohumeral joint’) with a prosthetic joint. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘total shoulder arthroplasty’.
It is a different procedure to the ‘reverse shoulder replacement’, which is where the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are literally reversed (the ball is attached where the socket was and vice-versa).
To distinguish the total shoulder replacement procedure from the reverse shoulder replacement, it is also sometimes referred to as an ‘anatomic shoulder replacement’, as the anatomy remains the same.
Prof Jegan Krishnan and Dr Sunil Reddy are experienced shoulder arthroplasty surgeons who will work with you to achieve the best possible results. Please make an appointment to discuss your shoulder problem – arthritis, rotator cuff tears or complex fractures.
Download our guide on Total Shoulder Replacement procedure and rehabilitation below.
Prof Jegan Krishnan
Explains how a total shoulder replacement surgery takes place with The Joint Replacement Clinic.
Dr Sunil Reddy
Talks about having a shoulder replacement surgery, rehabilitation and what to expect with The Joint Replacement Clinic.
What causes problems with the shoulder which this procedure can treat?
There are a number of conditions that can affect the shoulder which a total shoulder replacement may be able to treat. The most common conditions which may require the procedure are:
Arthritis in the shoulder
Fracture of the proximal humerus (the bone in the upper section of the arm)
Osteonecrosis
Also referred to as ‘avascular necrosis’, this is the death of bone tissue caused by lack of blood supply, which, if affecting the shoulder joint, can destroy it. Osteonecrosis is a risk where there has been a previous severe fracture, or where there is a history of alcohol abuse or steroid abuse. It can also be a risk in deep sea divers if they decompress too quickly (causing ‘the bends’).
Cuff tear arthropathy
Massive tears of the rotator cuff tendons in elderly can lead to pseudoparalysis or in more severe cases a condition called cuff tear arthropathy. This condition is managed with a Reverse total shoulder replacement.
Problems related to previous shoulder replacement surgery
In some cases, the prosthetic joint may loosen, shift out of position or become infected, in which case a revision procedure will be necessary.
