Eliminate the wait to treat your shoulder problems with an appointment at Bath Clinic within 48 hours.
At your consultation, you Orthopaedic Surgeon at Bath Clinic will first perform a diagnostic assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms. They will work with a multidisciplinary team of specialists including Physiotherapists, Anaesthetists and Pain Management Consultants to build a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This will include physiotherapy sessions, pain relief medication and steroid injections to alleviate your symptoms. But if these treatment options do not relieve your symptoms, shoulder surgery may be the best choice for you.
Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles that surround your shoulder joint. These muscles support your joint and assist with the movement of your shoulder. Each of your rotator cuff muscles is attached to a tendon (a cord of tissue that attaches muscle to your bone) which merge together to form a single large tendon known as your rotator cuff tendon. This rotator cuff tendon is attached to the head of your humerus (the top of your arm bone). When you raise your arm, this tendon passes through a space under your acromion (the outer part of your shoulder blade) called your subacromial space.
An injury or overuse of your shoulder can lead to a tear in your rotator cuff tendon. Rotator cuff repair surgery can be carried out to amend this tear. It can be performed through an arthroscopy (a keyhole surgery that uses fewer incisions) or open surgery (an operation that uses a single, larger incision). During your rotator cuff surgery, your Orthopaedic Surgeon will remove any bone spurs (growths) and thickened areas of tissue. They will reattach your torn rotator cuff tendon to your humerus (arm bone).
If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain and stiffness, you could be advised to have a non-surgical procedure known as shoulder manipulation. Prior to this procedure, you will be administered anaesthetic. Your Surgeon will carefully manipulate or move your shoulder joint to ease any stiffness.
You might also be advised to have a capsular release operation, an arthroscopic shoulder surgery where your Surgeon will use specialised instruments to release your tight joint capsule (lining). This will encourage more movement in your shoulder.
During shoulder replacement surgery, your Orthopaedic Surgeon will remove and replace the damaged areas of your shoulder joint with artificial parts, known as a prosthesis. The type of shoulder replacement surgery that you will need will depend on the condition of your shoulder joint. Your Orthopaedic Consultant will be able to share more information about this.
*This is a guide price for treatment when paying for yourself. Your initial consultation and diagnostics are not included in the price. Prices are confirmed in writing after your initial consultation with a Consultant Specialist. Aftercare may vary depending on your treatment. Further terms and conditions apply.
The length of your procedure will depend on the type of surgery you are recommended. Roughly, surgery on your shoulder may take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
If you are curious about the time it will take for your consultant to complete your specific surgery, make sure to ask any questions you may have about your procedure beforehand. Our experts are more than happy to answer any queries you may have.
Some people are able to go home the same day of their shoulder replacement surgery. It will depend on your personal circumstances, as well as how your initial recovery goes. If your pain is manageable, you’ve met with your physiotherapist and you meet the requirements for being discharged – for example, being able to get out of bed safely – then many people are able to go home very soon after surgery.
Your surgeon will let you know your estimated stay in hospital after surgery based on your personal details.
After shoulder surgery, you will almost always need to wear a sling, and it’s helpful to pack clothes that will go on easily over this. Loose, front-opening tops or oversized stretchy tops work best.
Think about your other clothing, too, as you’ll likely only be able to use one arm to put them on. Elasticated trousers and slip on shoes will make things easier for you.
You can return to driving after shoulder surgery once your sling is off and you’ve been cleared by your medical team. This is usually about 6-8 weeks after surgery, but it could be as little as 2-4 weeks after a minor procedure.
Your surgeon will be able to give you a more specific timeline based on the type of surgery you are having and your personal circumstances.
You don't have to live in pain. We're here for you when you need us.
To find out more, call our team on 01225 805447 or book a consultation with your chosen specialist.
Reception: 01225 835555
Hospital: 24 hours
Outpatients: 7am-8pm
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