Specialist shoulder replacement surgery in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region.
Shoulder replacement surgery is an effective treatment for patients with advanced shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy and selected shoulder fractures when non-surgical treatment no longer provides adequate relief.
Modern shoulder replacement aims to relieve pain, restore movement and improve quality of life, allowing patients to return to everyday activities with greater comfort and confidence.
What is Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces of the shoulder with artificial components.
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head (ball) and the glenoid (socket). During shoulder replacement, the worn cartilage and damaged bone are removed and replaced with smooth metal and polyethylene components designed to restore comfortable movement.
The most appropriate type of shoulder replacement depends on the condition of your rotator cuff tendons, bone quality, arthritis pattern and functional goals.
When is Shoulder Replacement Recommended?
Shoulder replacement may be recommended when:
Shoulder pain persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment
Night pain regularly disturbs sleep
Arthritis significantly limits daily activities
Shoulder stiffness restricts movement
Imaging demonstrates advanced joint damage
Rotator cuff tears are no longer repairable
Many patients experience excellent pain relief and improved shoulder function following shoulder replacement surgery.
Shoulder replacement is most commonly performed for advanced shoulder arthritis when non-surgical treatment no longer provides adequate pain relief. If you're looking for information about the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of arthritis, visit our Shoulder Arthritis page.
Anatomic Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic shoulder replacement recreates the normal anatomy of the shoulder by replacing the ball of the humerus and resurfacing the socket.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with:
Primary osteoarthritis
An intact rotator cuff
Good bone quality
Preserved shoulder mechanics
Benefits may include:
Excellent pain relief
Restoration of shoulder movement
Improved strength
Natural shoulder biomechanics
Long-term durability
For appropriately selected patients, anatomic shoulder replacement remains the gold standard treatment for advanced shoulder arthritis.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the position of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate when the rotator cuff is no longer functioning adequately.
Reverse shoulder replacement is commonly recommended for:
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears
Complex proximal humeral fractures
Failed previous shoulder replacement
Selected patients with severe arthritis and rotator cuff deficiency
Benefits include:
Reliable pain relief
Improved ability to raise the arm
Improved shoulder function despite rotator cuff deficiency
Excellent patient satisfaction
Reverse shoulder replacement has transformed the treatment of complex shoulder conditions and is now one of the most successful procedures in modern shoulder surgery.
Hemiarthroplasty
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty involves replacing only the ball (humeral head) while preserving the patient's natural socket.
Although performed less commonly today than anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement, hemiarthroplasty remains an appropriate treatment for selected patients, particularly certain complex proximal humeral fractures and other specific shoulder conditions.
The most appropriate procedure will always depend on your diagnosis, anatomy and treatment goals.
Modern Shoulder Replacement Technology
Shoulder replacement surgery has advanced considerably over recent years.
Where appropriate, contemporary surgical planning and technology may be utilised to optimise implant positioning and tailor surgery to each patient's individual anatomy.
Examples include:
CT-based pre-operative planning
Patient-specific instrumentation
Computer-assisted surgical planning
Custom 3D-printed implants for selected complex shoulder replacements
These technologies help improve surgical planning and allow treatment to be individualised according to each patient's anatomy and clinical needs.
Recovery After Shoulder Replacement
Recovery varies depending on the type of shoulder replacement performed and the underlying condition being treated.
Most patients can expect:
A short hospital stay
Sling immobilisation for several weeks
Early physiotherapy
Gradual restoration of movement
Progressive strengthening
Continued improvement for up to 12 months
Most patients experience significant pain relief well before their final recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a shoulder replacement last?
Modern shoulder replacements are designed to provide many years of reliable function. Longevity depends on factors such as age, activity level, bone quality and implant type.
What is the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement?
Anatomic shoulder replacement restores the normal ball-and-socket anatomy and relies on an intact rotator cuff.
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the mechanics of the shoulder, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate when the rotator cuff is no longer functioning adequately.
Will I regain full movement?
Most patients experience substantial improvements in pain and shoulder function. The amount of movement regained depends on the severity of arthritis, muscle condition and rehabilitation.
Can I return to golf, swimming or gardening?
Many patients successfully return to recreational activities following shoulder replacement surgery once rehabilitation is complete.
Is shoulder replacement painful?
The aim of shoulder replacement is to relieve pain caused by arthritis. While there is discomfort during the early recovery period, modern pain management and rehabilitation help patients recover comfortably.
Related Rehabilitation
Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation
Shoulder Rehabilitation Protocols
Why Choose Peak Orthopaedics?
Mr Francis Ting is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in shoulder and upper limb surgery.
Using contemporary surgical techniques, advanced planning technology and evidence-based rehabilitation, every shoulder replacement is tailored to the individual patient with the aim of relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return to the activities that matter most.
Referral Information
Peak Orthopaedics provides specialist assessment and shoulder replacement surgery for patients throughout New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region.
Patients are typically referred by their GP, physiotherapist or another healthcare professional. Referral is generally required for ACC and private insurance funding pathways.
