Shoulder replacement surgery in Newcastle

Why choose Nuffield Health Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital for your shoulder treatment?

Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital has been providing patients from across Northumberland and surrounding regions with expert advice and exemplary private care for a number of years. Since opening in 1973, our first-class approach to primary healthcare has attracted some of the North East's leading orthopaedic surgeons.

Our orthopaedic consultants are experts in joint replacement surgery and regularly prepare patients with a personalised treatment plan for their shoulder replacement, employing the latest and least invasive surgical techniques.

After your shoulder replacement surgery you will be given the opportunity to extend your post-treatment rehabilitation at no extra cost with our exclusive Recovery Plus programme. Recovery Plus allows patients to take full advantage of our in-house physiotherapy department, who will provide regular physio sessions to encourage a full and thorough recovery. 

By choosing Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital for your private treatment you will receive a package price inclusive of all costs, with no time limits on your aftercare. Our dedicated matron-led nursing team look forward welcoming you to our Newcastle Hospital soon.

How to book a consultation at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital?

If you are interested in shoulder replacement surgery and would like to discuss your treatment options with a professional, you will need to book an initial consultation at Nuffield Health Newcastle Hospital by calling our dedicated enquiry team on 0191 543 7599.

Alternatively, if you fill out a contact form above, a member of our enquiry team will get back to you at a more convenient time to arrange a consultation and answer any questions you may have.

What happens during shoulder replacement surgery?

• 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 night
• 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.