Shoulder replacement surgery in Wolverhampton

Why choose Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital for your shoulder replacement surgery?

Our specialist orthopaedic consultants at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital excel in upper limb surgery and obtain excellent surgical outcomes from their shoulder replacement surgery.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain or having difficulty moving your arm during every day tasks, then you may be in need of a shoulder replacement. During a consultation at Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital, our shoulder experts will provide you with advice and if necessary rapid access to a treatment plan, tailored to you and the severity of your injury.

After surgery you will be given the opportunity to extend your post-treatment rehabilitation through our exclusive Recovery Plus programme at your local Fitness & Wellbeing Gym. By choosing to come to Nuffield Health Wolverhampton Hospital for your treatment you will receive a packed price inclusive of all costs, with no time limits on your aftercare.

What happens during shoulder replacement surgery in Wolverhampton?

• Shoulder replacement is usually performed under general anaesthetic
• The operation usually takes about 2 hours
• Local anaesthetic may also be put into the joint to help with pain control following your surgery
• Your surgeon will make a cut on the front of your shoulder and remove the damaged ball (head of the humerus)
• They will replace the ball and sometimes also the socket
• They may also make any necessary repairs to your rotator cuff tendons (tissue that attaches muscle to a bone)
• They will close your wound and a dressing may be applied. Your arm will be in a sling. Most patients stay in hospital 1 – 2 nights
• A physiotherapist will visit you before you leave hospital to show you gentle exercises
• You will not be able to use your operated hand for up to 6 weeks following your surgery
• Be sure and discuss any concerns you have about daily activities with our care team before you leave.

Going home after your shoulder replacement surgery

• Your shoulder will be sore and swollen for several weeks
• You should take any pain killers regularly to stay ahead of pain and help you get mobile 
• Use ice packs or a package of frozen peas wrapped in a towel to help reduce any swelling in your shoulder
• Keep your wound clean and dry until your follow-up appointment
• Follow any instructions you are given regarding increasing your range of motion or decreasing the use of your sling
• Over the next few months you will work with a physiotherapist to progress to more vigorous exercise
• It is important to keep up your exercises so that your shoulder does not become stiff
• Follow any instructions you are given regarding lift or reaching
• It can take up to 6 months to see significant improvement
• Range of motion and strength in your shoulder will continue to improve for up to 2 years.

With any surgical procedure there can be complications including:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection in the surgical site (incision) or joint
• Scarring
• Chest infection
• Heart attack or stroke.

Specific complications of shoulder replacement include:

• Nerve injury
• Dislocation
• Fracture of the upper arm
• Rotator cuff tears
• Loosening of the joint.