Revision Shoulder Replacement Info Consent
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
Why this operation has been suggested
Dr Kieran Hirpara, an upper-limb surgeon at Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, starts with the least invasive options that suit your condition. Patients are generally referred to our clinic by their GP; if a physiotherapist has suggested you see us, you will still need a referral from your GP in order to be eligible for the Medicare rebate. A clinic assessment establishes the diagnosis. We usually try non-operative care first and consider surgery when that has not given enough improvement.
You may need this surgery if your previous shoulder replacement has worn out or loosened. This procedure replaces the damaged parts of your shoulder joint to restore stability and function. It is typically offered when conservative treatments no longer help. The operation aims to reduce pain and improve your ability to use your arm. Evidence shows that 85% of these implants last at least ten years. We discuss this option with you to ensure it aligns with your goals for recovery.
Before the operation
We plan your revision using X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound. Most patients do not need blood tests or an anaesthetist review unless you have other medical conditions. Please fast for seven hours before your surgery so we can start early if the list runs ahead. Bring a list of all your medications and wear comfortable clothing. Arrange a lift home, as you cannot drive yourself. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to stop. The operation uses a single cut over the shoulder area. This open approach helps us replace the worn parts safely. We aim to restore your comfort and function. Please follow your surgeon’s specific advice on medications and preparation steps closely.
On the day
You present to the hospital's surgical admissions unit, where you are checked in and prepared for theatre. This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.
You are then taken into the operating theatre, where the operation is performed. You wake up in the recovery area, where nurses monitor you while the anaesthetic wears off. Once you are stable you either go to the ward or go home, depending on the procedure and your recovery.
What the operation involves
Your surgeon will make a single cut over the area being operated on. Through this opening, the old shoulder joint components are carefully removed. This allows access to the bone and soft tissues underneath. Your surgeon will then prepare the bone surfaces to receive the new parts.
New metal and plastic components are placed into position. These replace the worn-out or damaged joint surfaces. The goal is to restore stability and movement to your shoulder. Your surgeon will check that the new parts fit securely before closing the area.
The skin is closed with Dermabond Prineo. A fine self-adhesive mesh is laid over the closed wound first, holding the skin edges together. A liquid skin adhesive is then painted over the mesh, where it sets to seal the whole thing. This stays on for roughly one to two weeks and then lifts and peels away by itself. There is nothing to be taken out.
After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery ward with your arm supported in a simple sling for comfort. We manage your pain using standard methods to keep you comfortable. Your wound will be covered with a dressing, and you should have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours. Most patients stay one night in hospital after this operation, though some are able to go home the same day. You must not drive for at least SIX WEEKS after any shoulder operation, regardless of which arm was operated on. Please see Driving after upper-limb surgery for more details. Your sling comes off for exercises and washing, but you must remain in it otherwise.
Recovery
You will have a single cut over the area being operated on. Your arm rests in a simple sling for comfort. You take it off for exercises and washing. This is not a brace. It is just support.
Pain and swelling are normal at first. Most people feel much better after two weeks. Your pain should ease as the swelling settles. You will do physio exercises to regain movement. Your physiotherapist guides these steps. They help you move safely without strain.
Your daily routine changes at first. You cannot drive for at least six weeks after any shoulder operation. This rule applies regardless of which arm was operated on. You must not drive while in a sling. You can drive once your surgeon clears you, typically at the six-week review. See our guide on Driving after upper-limb surgery for details.
You will focus on gentle activities at home. Sleep may require extra pillows for support. As movement returns, you can do more tasks. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you. Functional recovery peaks at 12 months postoperatively following shoulder arthroplasty. There is no clinically significant deterioration in functional recovery over the initial ten years following shoulder arthroplasty. We are here to support you through this journey.
What can go wrong
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
If you have had a previous shoulder replacement, the risk of needing another surgery is higher than with a first-time procedure. This is especially true if the previous implant was not fixed well to the bone. You might notice new pain or instability that does not go away. Contact your surgeon if your shoulder feels loose or painful again.
Infection is a serious concern, particularly if you received a steroid injection into the shoulder within three months before surgery. Signs of infection include redness spreading from the wound, warmth, fever, or a deep throbbing pain that simple painkillers do not ease. If you notice these signs, call the clinic immediately. Early treatment is key to preventing long-term damage.
If you are having two shoulder replacements done in stages, waiting too long between them can increase risks. Having the second surgery within three months of the first is linked to higher rates of complications. These can include blood clots in the leg, which may cause sudden swelling and tenderness in the calf, or fractures around the implant. Seek urgent care if you experience leg swelling or sudden sharp pain in the shoulder.
Some patients require a two-stage process to clear an infection. This involves removing the old implant and placing a temporary spacer. This approach carries a significant risk of further complications, and some patients need additional treatments. Stay in close contact with your team during this period to manage any new symptoms promptly.
Your surgeon will review your specific risks based on your health history. The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us
Call us if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling or shortness of breath. Seek urgent care for loss of sensation or inability to move the limb. These symptoms need immediate assessment to ensure your recovery stays on track.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Shoulder Arthritis page.
Where to read more
This page is about the operation itself. The condition it treats — including what the evidence shows about when surgery helps and when it does not — is covered in more detail on the Shoulder Arthritis page.
