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.

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell | ASULC | Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic | Arthritis Surgery

What is Shoulder Arthroscopy?

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:

Less post-operative pain
Faster recovery times
Reduced risk of infection
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:

Try our Shoulder pain self assessment tool

Arthritis (ie. Osteoarthritis)

Arthritis in the shoulder usually occurs due to age-related overuse. Here, the cartilage of the shoulder bones becomes thin, making the bones rub together with movement. As time progresses, this results in the shoulder joint becoming painful and stiff.

Read more about Shoulder Arthritis here.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis

Avascular necrosis (Osteonecrosis)

Severe fractures

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell | ASULC | Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic

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:

Minimally invasive technique: Less disruption to surrounding tissues
Shorter hospital stay: Often performed as a day surgery
Quicker recovery: Return to work, sport, or daily life sooner
Improved accuracy: Better visualisation of internal joint structures
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.

Dr Brumby-Rendell works closely with experienced physiotherapists across Adelaide to support every stage of rehabilitation.

Sling use: Typically 2–4 weeks
Return to office work: Within 1–2 weeks
Driving: Usually after 2–3 weeks
Physiotherapy: Starts within the first 1–2 weeks and continues for several months
Return to sport or heavy lifting: Around 3–6 months, depending on the procedur

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether shoulder replacement is truly the best option compared to joint-conserving treatments?

Beyond pain relief, factors like your age, general health, bone quality, activity expectations, and how advanced the joint damage is play big roles. Sometimes, newer therapies (injectables, biologics), bracing or tailored physical therapy can delay or reduce the need for surgery.

Discussing long-term lifestyle goals with your surgeon helps decide when replacement is not just appropriate but optimal.

What are the unexpected complications or challenges that can occur long-term after shoulder replacement?

While the page mentions good outcomes, some less common issues include:

Implant loosening over many years, especially if the load or orientation isn’t ideal.
Wear of the glenoid (socket) plastic component or unintended friction, which may lead to pain or require revision.
Occasional nerve irritation or stiffness even after rehab.
Difficulty achieving full range of motion for certain overhead or rotational movements, depending on how muscles heal and function.

What are the factors that influence how well the replacement restores strength and motion?

These include:

The pre-operative condition of your rotator cuff and other supporting muscles. If they are weak or damaged, strength recovery may be limited.
Pre-surgery range of motion: if the joint is very stiff beforehand, more intensive rehab may be needed and full motion may be harder to regain.
Your commitment to physical therapy, both supervised and at home.
How your body heals (scarring, tissue quality) and any other health issues (diabetes, smoking, etc.).

How does the choice of prosthesis or implant design affect outcome, and is newer always better?

Some key points:

Designs vary in how well they mimic normal anatomy, how stable they are, how well they distribute load, etc. A “premium-grade” implant doesn’t always translate to better function unless properly matched to your anatomy.
Newer designs may offer advantages (modularity, better materials, improved fixation), but longer-term data may be less established.
Surgeon experience with a particular implant type matters; a reliable well-proven implant done by an experienced surgeon often gives better assurance than a flashy new model in inexperienced hands.

What lifestyle adjustments will I need to make after shoulder replacement; both short- and long-term?

Short term (weeks-months): avoiding heavy lifting, pushing/pulling, certain overhead chores; sleeping positions may have to change; driving restrictions.
Long term: you may need to avoid very heavy weights or extreme overhead sports; adjusting how you sleep, how you do daily tasks; being careful about falls or trauma to the replaced joint.
Possibly periodic check-ups and imaging over the years to monitor fit and wear of the implant.

What are realistic expectations for pain relief, daily function and “return to sport” after shoulder replacement?

Pain relief: Most people can expect significant reduction in constant or night pain; some discomfort or soreness may persist for certain activities.
Daily function: Many regain enough motion for clothes, hygiene, light work, driving—but heavy or very demanding tasks may remain limited.
Return to sport: Depending on the sport, many patients can resume low to moderate impact (e.g. swimming, golf, cycling). High-impact or collision sports will usually be discouraged or modified. Recovery time for sports can stretch to 4-9 months, depending on the intensity and physical demands.

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:

Accurate diagnosis
Tailored surgical treatment plans
Enhanced recovery outcomes
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.