Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou
Orthopaedic surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery: what are my options?

Written in association with: Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou

Published: 12/10/2023

Edited by: Aoife Maguire

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a medical procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve the function of a damaged or arthritic shoulder joint. This surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components, much like how a hip or knee replacement is performed.

Experienced shoulder and elbow consultant Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou explains more about the surgery, including when it is necessary and the various options available.

When is shoulder replacement surgery necessary?

Shoulder replacement surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications no longer provide relief from chronic shoulder pain or loss of function. It is commonly indicated for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or severe fractures of the shoulder joint. These conditions often lead to debilitating pain, limited range of motion, and a decreased quality of life.

What are the various types of shoulder replacement surgeries available?

There are several types of shoulder replacement surgeries, with the most common being:

Total Shoulder Replacement: in this procedure, both the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components.

Partial Shoulder Replacement (hemiarthroplasty): only the damaged ball of the joint is replaced, leaving the natural socket intact.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement: this surgery is recommended when there is a significant rotator cuff tear. It reverses the position of the ball and socket components, allowing the deltoid muscle to take over the function of the damaged rotator cuff.

What are the risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery?

While shoulder replacement surgery is generally safe and effective, it does come with potential risks and complications. These can include:

infection
blood clots
nerve injury
instability of the joint
complications related to anaesthesia

Patients are encouraged to discuss these risks with their surgeon and carefully follow post-operative instructions to minimise them.

Post-Surgery rehabilitation

Physical therapy is a crucial component of the recovery process after shoulder replacement surgery. Patients typically require physical therapy to regain strength, improve range of motion, and restore function. The duration of physical therapy varies but may last several weeks to several months, depending on the individual's progress and the type of surgery performed.

What are the alternatives to shoulder replacement surgery?

While shoulder replacement surgery can provide significant relief for many patients, it is not the only option. Alternative treatments may include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and lifestyle modifications. However, the effectiveness of these alternatives depends on the individual's specific condition and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

If you require shoulder replacement surgery and would like to book a consultation with Miss Leivadiotou, simply visit her Top Doctors profile today.

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By Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou

Orthopaedic surgery in Hertfordshire

Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou is an accomplished orthopaedic shoulder and elbow consultant, with over 25 years of experience, based in Hertfordshire and Essex. With a special interest in upper limb surgery, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, focusing on areas such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff injury. Miss Leivadiotou completed her medical studies at A...

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By Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou
Orthopaedic surgery

Miss Dimitra Leivadiotou is an accomplished orthopaedic shoulder and elbow consultant, with over 25 years of experience, based in Hertfordshire and Essex. With a special interest in upper limb surgery, she brings a wealth of expertise to her practice, focusing on areas such as shoulder replacement, shoulder surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), shoulder arthroscopy and rotator cuff injury.

Miss Leivadiotou completed her medical studies at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 1997, after she was awarded a sports scholarship for holding the National Record in sprint for under 18s. Upon competition of her primary medical degree, she undertook the prestigious Calvert Fellowship in upper limb in London, followed by a tenure at the internationally renowned Trauma and Sports Medicine Institute at Karolinska University in Stockholm, Sweden.

In order to further develop her skills, she then pursued the prestigious Upper Extremity Fellowship at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada, the largest tertiary trauma centre in the country. Through each of these fellowships, she focused on modern arthroscopic and open surgical techniques for treating upper extremity orthopaedic conditions, gaining the expert skills required to treat her patients to the highest standards.

Beyond her clinical practice, Miss Leivadiotou is deeply committed to education and research. She serves as a teacher for orthopaedic trainees at The Princess Alexandra Hospital and has contributed significantly to the academic field. She is an International Faculty in AO Trauma , ATLS and Mentor in the EoE Mentorship program for the trainees. Her research work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals.

Additionally, Miss Leivadiotou is an active member of prestigious public organisations, including the British Elbow and Shoulder Society, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, The AO Foundation and the Royal College of Surgeons of England.