Mr Tim Doyle
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Are you finding it difficult to lift your arm, sleep comfortably, or carry out everyday tasks because of ongoing shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can affect many parts of daily life. You may struggle with dressing, reaching overhead, driving, or sleeping on the affected side. For some people, pain and stiffness gradually become worse over time, limiting movement and making simple activities more difficult.
Shoulder replacement surgery may be considered when other treatments no longer provide enough relief. This procedure aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and help you return to normal daily activities with greater comfort and function.
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure used to replace damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components. It is usually recommended for people with severe arthritis, joint damage, or long term shoulder pain that affects movement and quality of life.
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. During surgery, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with smooth metal and plastic components designed to improve movement and reduce pain. There are different types of shoulder replacement surgery depending on the condition of the joint and surrounding muscles and tendons. Your consultant will assess your symptoms, scans, and shoulder function before recommending the most suitable option for you.
Shoulder replacement surgery is carried out by an experienced orthopaedic consultant. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic and may involve an overnight hospital stay.
Still have questions about shoulder replacement surgery? Check out our FAQs.
Healthcare Without
the Wait
Many patients in Ireland choose Kingsbridge Private Hospital to avoid delays and access consultant led shoulder care sooner.
Shoulder replacement surgery is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast, Ballykelly & Newry. These locations are accessible for patients travelling from border counties and across Ireland.
Consultations, assessment, surgery, physiotherapy, and aftercare are provided as part of your treatment journey.
Next Available Appointment
Newry
4 days
Steps to get started
If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, you can arrange a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital to discuss your symptoms, assessment, and treatment options.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost
The cost of shoulder replacement surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of surgery, hospital fees, and rehabilitation requirements.
You will receive clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital stay, and aftercare.
The team can answer your questions and explain available payment options before your procedure.
You will receive clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital stay, and aftercare.
The team can answer your questions and explain available payment options before your procedure.
Cross-Border Healthcare Scheme
Patients from Ireland may be eligible to have the cost of shoulder replacement surgery reimbursed through the Cross Border Healthcare Plan.
This scheme allows eligible patients from Ireland to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of their care.
The team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
This scheme allows eligible patients from Ireland to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of their care.
The team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
If you’re using health insurance
Shoulder replacement surgery may be covered by private health insurance depending on your provider and level of cover.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and St Paul’s.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, imaging, and physiotherapy.
Kingsbridge Private Hospital works with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and St Paul’s.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, imaging, and physiotherapy.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
You will receive clear information about the cost of shoulder replacement surgery to help you plan your treatment with confidence.
This allows you to understand the expected costs before proceeding, including consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements.
This allows you to understand the expected costs before proceeding, including consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements.
Meet Our Shoulder Replacement Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of Ireland and the UK’s top orthopaedic consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns and help you understand what to expect from shoulder replacement surgery.
How can you access shoulder replacement surgery in Ireland?
Patients in Ireland may access shoulder replacement surgery through the public healthcare system or through private care.
Public treatment usually requires referral from a GP or specialist and waiting times can vary depending on your location and clinical need.
Patients can access private treatment by booking a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital. During your consultation, an orthopaedic consultant will assess your shoulder, review any scans or previous treatments, and discuss whether surgery may be suitable for you.
What are the waiting times for shoulder replacement surgery?
Waiting times through the HSE can be lengthy for orthopaedic procedures such as shoulder replacement surgery.
Patients can often get faster access to consultation, imaging, and surgery by booking directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital.
Your consultant can explain expected timelines for assessment, surgery, and recovery based on your individual needs.
How much does shoulder replacement surgery cost?
The cost of shoulder replacement surgery depends on the type of procedure required, your consultant, and your hospital stay. You will receive clear information about pricing before treatment, including what is included in your care.
Patients may be eligible to have the cost of this service reimbursed by the HSE under the Cross Border Healthcare Plan. This means patients from Ireland can travel to Northern Ireland for the service and may be eligible to be reimbursed by the HSE.
The team can also advise you about payment options and private health insurance cover.
How long does shoulder replacement surgery take?
The procedure itself usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the type of shoulder replacement being performed.
You will also need time before surgery for preparation and recovery afterwards. Many patients stay in hospital for one or two nights following surgery.
Recovery and rehabilitation continue over several months as strength and movement improve.
What happens before, during, and after shoulder replacement surgery?
Understanding what happens before, during, and after surgery can help you feel more prepared for treatment and recovery.
Before surgery
Before surgery, you will attend a consultation with your orthopaedic consultant. You may need imaging such as X rays or MRI scans to assess the condition of the joint.
You may also attend a pre assessment appointment to review your general health and discuss medications, medical history, and anaesthetic planning.
During surgery
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic. The surgeon removes damaged areas of the shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial components designed to restore smoother movement.
The exact approach depends on the type of shoulder replacement being performed.
After surgery
After surgery, your shoulder will usually be supported in a sling. Pain relief medication will be provided and physiotherapy often begins soon after the procedure.
Your consultant and physiotherapy team will guide you through recovery exercises and activity restrictions.
What types of shoulder surgery are available?
There are several types of shoulder replacement surgery. The most suitable option depends on the condition of the joint, the level of damage, and the strength of the surrounding muscles and tendons.
Total shoulder replacement
Total shoulder replacement involves replacing both the ball and socket parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components.
This procedure is commonly recommended for patients with arthritis who still have healthy rotator cuff tendons. It aims to reduce pain and improve shoulder movement.
Partial shoulder replacement
Partial shoulder replacement involves replacing only the damaged ball part of the shoulder joint while preserving the natural socket.
This may be suitable when damage is limited to one part of the joint.
Rotator cuff repair surgery
Rotator cuff repair surgery is used to treat torn or damaged shoulder tendons. The procedure is often carried out using keyhole surgery techniques and aims to reduce pain and improve shoulder strength and movement.
Shoulder decompression surgery
Shoulder decompression surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat shoulder impingement. Small amounts of bone or inflamed tissue may be removed to reduce pressure within the shoulder joint.
Reverse shoulder replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the position of the ball and socket components within the joint.
This type of replacement may be recommended for patients who have severe arthritis together with significant rotator cuff damage. It allows different muscles to support shoulder movement after surgery.
Shoulder stabilisation surgery
Shoulder stabilisation surgery may help patients who experience repeated shoulder dislocations or ongoing shoulder instability. The procedure helps repair structures that support the joint.
Shoulder arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of shoulder problems. It may be used to assess joint damage, remove inflamed tissue, or carry out repairs within the shoulder.
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, scans, and shoulder movement before recommending the most appropriate procedure.
What is recovery like after shoulder replacement surgery?
Recovery varies between patients, but most people need several months to regain strength and movement.
You will usually need to wear a sling for a period after surgery. Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery and helps improve movement and shoulder function over time.
Many patients can return to light daily activities within several weeks, although full recovery may take up to six months or longer depending on the procedure and your overall health.
Your consultant will advise you when it is safe to return to work, driving, exercise, and other activities.
What aftercare is provided following shoulder replacement surgery?
Aftercare usually includes follow up appointments with your consultant, pain management support, and physiotherapy.
Your recovery will be monitored to assess wound healing, shoulder movement, and progress with rehabilitation exercises.
You will also receive guidance on protecting the new joint and gradually increasing activity levels safely.
Are there alternatives to shoulder replacement surgery?
Alternative treatments may be considered depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
These can include:
Physiotherapy
Pain relief medication
Anti inflammatory medication
Steroid injections
Shoulder replacement surgery is usually considered when other treatments no longer provide enough relief or when joint damage is severe.
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