Shoulder Replacement
This treatment is also known as anatomical shoulder replacement or total shoulder replacement arthroplasty.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a modern, minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions. Using small incisions and a tiny camera (arthroscope), surgeons can visualise and repair damaged structures inside the shoulder joint with high precision and minimal trauma.
Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon based in Adelaide, specialising in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. His goal is to help patients recover faster, experience less pain, and return to their normal activities with long-lasting results.
Shoulder Arthroscopy in Adelaide
Shoulder arthroscopy involves inserting a small camera into the shoulder joint through a keyhole incision. The camera transmits images to a screen, allowing the surgeon to diagnose and treat injuries with specialised instruments—all through very small incisions.
This minimally invasive approach allows for:
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Less post-operative pain
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Faster recovery times
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Reduced risk of infection
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Smaller scars
Who might need shoulder replacement surgery?
This surgery aims to relieve pain, but it also enhances the function, motion and strength of the shoulder, which allows patients to return to pre-surgery activity levels quickly. Many individuals who have received this surgical treatment have returned to their previously loved fitness activities, such as pilates, yoga, swimming, tennis and golf.
You may benefit from total shoulder replacement if you have one or more of the following conditions:
Is a total shoulder replacement right for me?
If non-surgical measures have been ineffective and you have shoulder pain that inhibits your everyday activities, you may benefit from a total shoulder replacement. This surgery is effective, safe and evidence-based, being performed successfully for many years and in many countries.
Dr Brumby-Rendell may advise a total shoulder replacement due to several considerations. Individuals that would benefit from this procedure generally experience the following:
- Intense pain in the shoulder which affects daily tasks, such as driving, dressing, reaching and washing
- Varying levels of pain when resting, specifically during the night
- A weak shoulder with limited movement capacities
- Other treatment options (such as physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medication) have not relieved pain.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Compared to traditional open surgery, shoulder arthroscopy offers several advantages:
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Minimally invasive technique: Less disruption to surrounding tissues
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Shorter hospital stay: Often performed as a day surgery
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Quicker recovery: Return to work, sport, or daily life sooner
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Improved accuracy: Better visualisation of internal joint structures
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Lower complication rates
Dr Brumby-Rendell tailors each arthroscopic procedure to the individual needs of the patient to achieve optimal outcomes.
Preparing for total shoulder replacement surgery
Before your surgery, you may need to be assessed by an anaesthetist or physician. This practice makes sure your health is strong enough for surgery.
Approximately one week before your procedure, you will be advised to stop consuming various medications, including blood thinners, arthritis therapies and anti-inflammatories, to prevent excessive bleeding.
Information will also be given regarding your recovery process. Generally, you will stay at the hospital for 2 to 3 days after surgery. For around 6 weeks post-procedure, you may require help performing everyday domestic activities, such as bathing, dressing and cooking.
Dr Brumby Rendell's supportive team can assist you in organising to stay at a rehabilitation facility for a short duration if you cannot access extra support at home.
It is important that you DO NOT drive post-surgery for around 6 weeks. Therefore, you must organise for someone to pick you up from the hospital when you are ready to return home.
The conventional shoulder replacement surgery procedure
To perform total shoulder replacement (an open surgery), an incision must be made from the upper arm to the shoulder's front. The surgery takes around 2 hours, and you will be under anaesthetic for this duration. To reduce nerve function during and slightly after your surgery, an inter-scalene nerve block will generally be used. The effect of this block will cease after 12 to 18 hours.
An anterior approach to the shoulder is used by going in between the pectoral and deltoid muscles. Once down onto the shoulder, the subscapularis muscle (front rotator cuff muscle) is released off the humerus and tagged for later repair.
Arthritic sections of the shoulder are then removed, and the humeral head is replaced with an artificial metal ball. A plastic prosthesis is then secured to the glenoid.
After performing these surgical replacements, Dr Brumby-Rendell stitches the rotator cuff muscle together, stitches the incision, cleans the wound, and applies a bandage. Following this, you will be shifted to a recovery room, where you will come out of anaesthesia (which usually takes a few hours). Then, you will be moved to your hospital room.
Recovery
Throughout your recovery, you will likely feel some pain, as this is a major surgery. This is normal as your body heals and recovers. To ease your pain, you will be given pain medication post-surgery.
You should wear a sling for 2 weeks when you leave the hospital. You may have to immobilise your arm for longer if your shoulder condition was severe.
For approximately 4 weeks, you will likely have restricted arm function, and must not partake in pulling, pushing or heavy lifting motions. Instead, you should follow the rehabilitation exercises assigned to you, as they are designed to increase shoulder strength and healing.
DO NOT drive after shoulder surgery until you have been permitted to do so by Dr Brumby-Rendell and can drive safely. For more information regarding driving after surgery, click here.
To monitor your recovery, you will be required to attend check-ups with Dr Brumby-Rendell.
After Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery has excellent success rates, with numerous sources indicating a satisfaction rate of up to 95% post-procedure. Modern shoulder replacements are estimated to last 15 to 20 years, and revision surgery is rarely required.
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Sling use: Typically 2–4 weeks
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Return to office work: Within 1–2 weeks
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Driving: Usually after 2–3 weeks
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Physiotherapy: Starts within the first 1–2 weeks and continues for several months
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Return to sport or heavy lifting: Around 3–6 months, depending on the procedure
Dr Brumby-Rendell works closely with experienced physiotherapists across Adelaide to support every stage of rehabilitation.
Why Choose Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell for Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
With fellowship training in advanced shoulder and upper limb surgery, Dr Brumby-Rendell is committed to providing evidence-based, personalised care. His expertise in minimally invasive arthroscopy ensures patients benefit from:
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Accurate diagnosis
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Tailored surgical treatment plans
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Enhanced recovery outcomes
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Comprehensive post-operative care
Whether you're dealing with chronic shoulder pain, sports injuries, or restricted movement, Dr Brumby-Rendell offers expert support at every stage of your recovery.
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