Shoulder replacement surgery Perth
When is shoulder replacement surgery the right option?
Consulting at
Murdoch
[All surgeons]
Wexford Medical Centre
Suite 13
3 Barry Marshall Pde
Murdoch WA 6150
Nedlands
[Dr O’Beirne & Dr Hardisty]
Hollywood Medical Centre
Suite 37
85 Monash Avenue
Nedlands WA 6008
Joondalup
[Dr Ghoshal]
Joondalup Health Campus
Suite 17, Specialist Medical Centre (East), 60 Shenton Avenue
Joondalup WA 6027
- Contact us
- 08 6166 3778
If your shoulder pain is not improving and you have already tried first-line treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, injections, or activity changes, shoulder replacement surgery may be worth considering. This page explains when a shoulder operation may be recommended, the different types of shoulder replacement surgery, and what to expect from recovery.
Arthritis is one possible cause of shoulder pain. It happens when the smooth surfaces of the joint become worn or damaged, which can make movement painful and stiff. Over time, even simple tasks like reaching, lifting, or getting dressed can become harder.
Types of shoulder arthritis
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type. It is often linked to age-related wear and tear, although it can also happen earlier after injury or heavy joint use. The shoulder may become stiff and painful, especially with movement.
Inflammatory arthritis
This includes rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions. These conditions cause inflammation inside the joint and can damage cartilage over time.
Post-traumatic arthritis
This can develop after an injury such as a fracture or dislocation. Sometimes it appears years after the original injury.
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
This happens when a large rotator cuff tear has been present for a long time and the shoulder joint starts to wear out. It often causes pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Although these conditions have different causes, the symptoms are often quite similar. Most people notice pain, stiffness, weakness, and trouble using the arm normally.
How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosing shoulder arthritis usually starts with your medical history and an examination. A shoulder that is becoming more painful and stiff over time can suggest arthritis.
- X-rays are usually the most important first test because they show joint space narrowing, bone changes, and wear in the shoulder joint.
- Sometimes an MRI scan is also helpful. An MRI does not replace an X-ray; it adds more detail. It shows the rotator cuff tendons and muscles, which is important because the condition of the rotator cuff often affects which type of shoulder replacement surgery may be suitable.
A rotator cuff tear can be easy to miss at first. It does not always feel like sudden, sharp pain. For many people, it starts as a dull ache that lingers, feels worse at night, or makes the shoulder feel weak and unreliable.
You might notice:
- pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead
- weakness when carrying, lifting, or pouring
- clicking, catching, or grinding in the shoulder
- discomfort when lying on the affected side
Small tasks can also become harder than they should be, like fastening a seatbelt, reaching into a cupboard, or putting on a shirt.
It is worth getting checked if:
- the pain is not improving with rest or physiotherapy
- your shoulder feels weak or unstable
- everyday movements are becoming more difficult
For more information about diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect, visit our rotator cuff repair page.
Not all shoulder pain is caused by arthritis or a rotator cuff tear. The shoulder is a complex joint, and there are several other problems that can cause pain, stiffness, or weakness.
Other possible causes include:
- shoulder bursitis; irritation of the cushioning tissue around the joint
- tendinopathy; wear or irritation in the shoulder tendons
- frozen shoulder; a painful stiffness that can make movement very limited
- shoulder instability; where the joint feels loose, slips, or has dislocated before
- joint injury; such as a fracture, sprain, or previous trauma
- pain coming from the neck; sometimes neck problems can feel like shoulder pain
Because different shoulder conditions can feel quite similar, a proper assessment is important. The best treatment depends on what is actually causing the pain.
If your symptoms are not improving, or you are not sure what is going on, a shoulder assessment can help clarify the cause and guide the next steps.
Shoulder replacement surgery Perth
When is shoulder replacement surgery considered?
Shoulder replacement surgery is usually considered when:
- pain is severe or ongoing
- shoulder movement is becoming very limited
- sleep is regularly disturbed by pain
- physiotherapy, pain relief, or injections have not helped enough
- daily activities are becoming difficult
Not everyone with shoulder pain needs orthopaedic surgery. Many people improve with non-surgical care first.
In general, shoulder replacement surgery is considered when the joint itself is badly worn or damaged. This is different from shoulder problems that can sometimes be treated with keyhole surgery, such as certain tendon or soft tissue conditions. If the main issue is advanced arthritis, joint damage, or rotator cuff tear arthropathy, keyhole surgery is usually unlikely to give enough benefit, and shoulder replacement surgery may be the more appropriate option.
Types of shoulder replacement surgery
There are two main types of shoulder replacement surgery.
Anatomic shoulder replacement
This is designed to copy the normal shape of the shoulder joint. It is usually considered when the joint is worn out but the rotator cuff is still intact.
Reverse shoulder replacement
This changes the position of the ball and socket components. It is often used when there is severe rotator cuff damage, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, or certain complex revision cases. In this setting, reverse shoulder replacement can provide a more stable way for the shoulder to move.
Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery
Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery takes time. Most people wear a sling for a period after the operation, then gradually begin a guided rehabilitation program. Physiotherapy is usually an important part of recovery and helps you work on movement, strength, and confidence in the shoulder.
In the early stages, the focus is usually on protecting the shoulder and allowing it to heal. Over time, exercises are introduced to improve movement and function. The exact recovery plan can vary depending on the type of shoulder replacement performed, the condition of the rotator cuff, and your general health. During your consultation, we will explain what recovery may involve, including sling use, rehabilitation, and when you may be able to return to everyday activities.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery can help reduce pain and improve movement, but like any operation, it does carry some risks.
These can include:
- infection
- bleeding
- blood clots
- nerve or blood vessel injury
- fracture around the implant
- stiffness after surgery
- ongoing pain
- dislocation or instability
- loosening or wear of the implant over time
There can also be risks that relate to the type of shoulder replacement being performed. For example, problems with the rotator cuff can affect an anatomic shoulder replacement, while stress fractures can occasionally occur after reverse shoulder replacement.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain these risks in the context of your shoulder, your general health, and the type of surgery being considered.
Who in Perth should I see for shoulder replacement surgery?
If shoulder pain is affecting your sleep, movement, or day-to-day activities, your GP can refer you to Dr Alex O’Beirne, who sees people with shoulder problems at Western Orthopaedic Clinic (WOCWA) in Perth.
One benefit of being assessed within a specialist group is that your symptoms can be considered from different angles. Shoulder pain does not always come from the shoulder itself. In some cases, it may be linked to the neck, nerve irritation, or another underlying problem. At Western Orthopaedic Clinic, the surgeons regularly discuss cases together, so if your symptoms suggest the pain may be coming from somewhere else, there is access to input from the wider team, including our spine surgeon Dr Abhijeet Ghoshal.
Dr Alex O’Beirne | Shoulder Surgeon Perth
Final thoughts
If your shoulder pain is not settling, it is worth having it assessed sooner rather than later. Early assessment can help clarify the cause of your symptoms and guide the next steps.ms.
At Western Orthopaedic Clinic in Perth, Dr Alex O’Beirne can help work out what is causing your symptoms and talk you through the next steps, whether that involves rehabilitation, pain management, or shoulder surgery.
If your shoulder pain is not improving, a consultation can help you better understand your options.
