Total Shoulder Replacement and Hemi-Arthroplasty

photograph of man holding his shoulder with pain area highlighted.
3d illustration of shoulder replacement
An arthritic shoulder is recognised by deterioration of healthy joint cartilage. Smooth surfaces become rough and uneven ending in the joint becoming stiff and limited in range of motion.

Stiff and painful shoulder joints damaged by arthritis can be successfully replaced with prosthetic components to relieve pain and restore joint function. Shoulder replacement surgery is an option for people of all ages affected by arthritis wanting to improve quality of life.

The shoulder replacement can be performed either as a total replacement or hemi-arthroplasty where the ball part is replaced, and the socket is left alone.
Watch the Video: Shoulder Joint Replacement.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement


Patients who have large rotator cuff tears or have developed an underlying complex type of shoulder arthritis may be best served with a reverse shoulder replacement. The reverse shoulder replacement relies on different muscles other than the rotator cuff tendons to move the arm and support the prosthetic components. This method allows for a better, more successful outcome in some patients.

An indicator for shoulder replacement may be chronic shoulder pain which affects every day activities. An arthritic shoulder may be treated initially with rest, medication, cortisone injections and therapy. If the shoulder does not settle following a course of treatment, joint replacement surgery may be a further treatment option.
Watch the Video: Reverse total shoulder replacement.

The surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery is performed at Hollywood Hospital. Patients remain in hospital for five to seven days following shoulder replacement surgery. The rehabilitation team at Hollywood Hospital will be involved in your rehabilitation and exercise program to regain maximum mobilisation of your new shoulder.

Prior to surgery, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled for review with the Pre-Admission Clinic at Hollywood Hospital. During this meeting your personal and clinical details will be checked to allow for smooth admission process on the day of surgery. Admission on the day will be mid to late morning with surgery scheduled late afternoon that same day.

You may require an anaesthetic assessment with your Anaesthetist prior to admission. Further information will be provided upon booking your surgical procedure. We do suggest you contact the anaesthetist a week prior to surgery if you have had any of the following:
  • Head or Heart Surgery
  • Lapband Insitu
  • Blood Thinning Medication
  • Relevant Medical History.

In preparation for a shoulder replacement an incision of approximately 20 cm long will be made across the front of the shoulder exposing the joint, blood vessels and muscles. The shoulder capsule will then be opened. The shoulder is then dislocated with the humeral head then removed. Surgical tools are then used to prepare the bone cavity for insertion of the prosthetic stem.

Prosthetic shoulder components, similar in size and shape are then cemented into position. A small drill is then introduced to remove the damaged cartilage from the socket of the shoulder joint. The artificial socket is then fitted into place and secured to the scapula with synthetic cement. The shoulder is then checked that all prosthetic components fit together.

Shoulder joint replacement surgery usually takes at least 2 hours.

After surgery

Following surgery, you are transferred to the recovery room where you will be monitored by nursing staff. There will be a large bulky dressing applied over drains in your shoulder. Your arm may be placed in a sling or supported as to keep the shoulder in the correct position. An ice pack may be positioned to reduce swelling. The bulky dressing and drains will be removed after a couple of days.

Rehabilitation staff from Hollywood Rehabilitation Clinic will commence a gentle exercise program the day following surgery. Exercising the shoulder is important to prevent stiffness and regain shoulder movement.
Most patients remain in hospital for 3 days following shoulder replacement surgery.

At home

photograph of woman holding ice gel pack to shoulder.
Following discharge, you will be given specific exercises to continue until further review.

Please phone Mr Kozak’s rooms on 9381 3084 to book a post-operative appointment for one week after your discharge from hospital. Your stitches will be removed and you will receive further post-operative instructions.

Whilst your shoulder is healing you may experience pain and discomfort. This is normal. Pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication will be prescribed for you whilst in hospital. Additional medication will be given upon discharge to help settle the shoulder once you leave hospital.

Shoulder swelling is inevitable following any shoulder surgery. Icing the shoulder joint for 20 minutes, 3 times per day with gel packs, ice packs or a plastic bag with ice wrapped in moist towels, will all work effectively.

If you develop:
  • a temperature of over 38.5°C
  • swelling or discomfort which persists or worsens despite ice and rest and pain medicine
  • excessive bleeding numbness, tingling, redness or swelling

– please contact the office or the hospital.

Surgical Appointments

Hollywood Hospital
Monash Avenue
NEDLANDS
WA 6008

Glengarry Hospital
53 Arnisdale Road
DUNCRAIG
WA 6023

Practice Details

Please Call (08) 9381 3084 for an appointment.
Fax: (08) 9381 3054
or email us

Level 2, 280 Rokeby Road
SUBIACO
WA 6008

Sports Medicine Centre
1/64 Arnisdale Road
DUNCRAIG
WA 6023

Opening Hours
Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Subiaco rooms

Duncraig rooms

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