Shoulder Arthroplasty
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Shoulder arthroplasty is the replacement of the joint surfaces of the bones that come into contact and are usually worn. The surfaces are replaced with artificial implants, known as prostheses. The materials used are either metal or ceramic and are fully compatible with the human body.
The type of arthroplasty is determined by the extent of damage to the joint and the condition of the overlying muscles. Shoulder arthroplasty is usually performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion after conservative treatment has failed.
How Many Types of Shoulder Arthroplasty Are There?
Resurfacing Arthroplasty: The damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with a metal prosthesis. Dr Leonidou served as Director of the shoulder clinic in the UK where resurfacing arthroplasty was invented.
Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Respecting the anatomy of the shoulder, the artificial head is placed normally on the upper end of the humerus, while the concave component of the prosthesis is anatomically placed where the damaged glenoid is located. Integrity and proper function of the overlying muscles are essential prerequisites.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: In reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the head and concave components are placed in the opposite orientation to normal anatomy. This variation allows the shoulder joint to function normally in cases of rotator cuff tendon muscle tears.
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Conditions Treated with Shoulder Arthroplasty
The most common shoulder conditions treated with arthroplasty are:
Osteoarthritis – destruction of the articular surface
Post-traumatic arthritis, meaning arthritis resulting from a shoulder injury
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides
Fractures in which the articular surface has been damaged
Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears
Thumb Arthritis – Diagnosis
A patient with thumb arthritis requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you.
Further investigations may be required, such as plain X-rays or, occasionally, an MRI scan, to investigate other possible causes of the symptoms and assess the severity of the damage.
Some patients with thumb arthritis also present symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, in which case further evaluation with electromyography may be required.
Once the diagnosis has been established, the doctor will discuss with you the recommended treatment options.
Experience in Shoulder Arthroplasty
Dr Leonidou specialised in shoulder arthroplasty at one of the largest shoulder clinics in the world, the Reading Shoulder Unit. This clinic is where the Copeland resurfacing arthroplasty and stemless reverse shoulder arthroplasty were invented.
The doctor has extensive experience in shoulder arthroplasty, treating patients from all over the world.
In Greece, Dr Leonidou applies for the first time stemless and cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Advantages of Stemless Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Smaller incisions – excellent cosmetic result
Less injury to the underlying tissues
Preservation of bone – only the worn surfaces are removed
Minimally invasive procedure
Bloodless surgery – no blood transfusion required
No immediate postoperative pain
Fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications
Shorter hospital stay – fast track protocol
Immediate shoulder mobilisation within a few days – rapid recovery protocol
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Preoperative Preparation Before Shoulder Arthroplasty
The patient will be informed about the proposed surgical treatment with arthroplasty. Before the procedure, the anaesthesiologist will examine the patient, take a detailed medical history, and organise the preoperative assessment.
The preoperative assessment includes routine blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a cardiological evaluation. The anaesthesiologist will provide the necessary instructions regarding the use or discontinuation of medications before surgery, as well as when the patient should begin fasting.
Hospital Admission and Anaesthesia
The patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. The specialised anaesthesiologist Dr Koutra administers regional anaesthesia, which ensures the absence of postoperative pain and allows immediate mobilisation of the patient.
When indicated, Dr Leonidou’s team applies, for the first time in Greece, shoulder arthroplasty without general anaesthesia. The patient receives only regional anaesthesia and remains awake throughout the surgery.
How Long Does the Surgery Take? – Duration
The surgery lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.
Incision in Shoulder Arthroplasty
Dr Leonidou applies minimally invasive techniques for shoulder arthroplasty. The incision is located on the outer surface of the shoulder and is less than 10 centimetres in length.
What Happens After Surgery?
After surgery, the patient returns to the ward. Immediate mobilisation is encouraged. The patient does not have a urinary catheter or drains.
Postoperatively, a blood test is performed to check haemoglobin levels. During our 14 years of experience, no patient has ever required a blood transfusion after shoulder arthroplasty.
The patient will wear a sling for a few days.
How Many Days of Hospitalisation Are Required?
The patient is discharged from the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery (fast track protocol).
Recovery After Shoulder Arthroplasty – Rehabilitation
Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions.
The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol. Most shoulder movements are permitted from the first postoperative day.
Success of Shoulder Arthroplasty
Shoulder arthroplasty is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In experienced hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in the patient’s functional recovery.
It is a safe technique with extremely low complication rates.
Relief from acute pain is immediate, and shoulder movement is restored to a great extent.
Return to daily activities is gradual. Within a few days after shoulder arthroplasty, the patient can independently perform the basic movements required for everyday activities.
How Long Does a Shoulder Arthroplasty Last – Duration of Results
The correct positioning of the arthroplasty components is an important factor that determines its lifespan. In the hands of specialised shoulder surgeon Dr Leonidou, the lifespan of shoulder arthroplasty reaches 15–20 years in most patients.
Doctor’s Interview
What Is the Cost and Price of Shoulder Arthroplasty? How Much Does the Procedure Cost?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition and the specialised materials required. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroplasty implant, hospital stay expenses, and the fee of the surgical team.
There is also participation from the patient’s insurance fund (EOPYY). Patients with private insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy.
For more information, please contact us.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and require shoulder arthroplasty, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder arthroplasty with a high volume of cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is the technique in which the position of the humeral head and the glenoid are reversed. It is indicated in cases of extensive rotator cuff tears and osteoarthritis, providing good mobility and pain relief.
What Is Total Shoulder Arthroplasty?
In total shoulder arthroplasty, all worn articular surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components, respecting the anatomy of the shoulder and provided that the overlying muscles are functioning properly.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
The procedure lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.
What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used? Can It Be Performed Without General Anaesthesia?
Regional anaesthesia is administered, ensuring the absence of postoperative pain and allowing immediate mobilisation, combined with mild general anaesthesia.
What Is the Role of Physiotherapy After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Physiotherapy is essential for the gradual restoration of shoulder movement and strengthening of the surrounding muscles. It begins a few days after surgery with an individualised rehabilitation programme.
Are There Any Complications in Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Shoulder arthroplasty is a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, rare complications may occur, such as infection, fracture, dislocation, or loosening of the prosthesis. In the hands of an experienced surgeon, complication rates are very low.
How Is Recovery After Shoulder Arthroplasty Performed?
Rehabilitation begins with gentle movements from the first postoperative days. The patient is monitored by a physiotherapist and follows an individualised programme, allowing mobility and strength to gradually return.
What Exercises Are Performed After Shoulder Arthroplasty?
The exercises include gentle range-of-motion therapy, strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder, and specific self-care movements. The programme is designed individually by a physiotherapist and adjusted according to the patient’s progress.
What Exercises Are Performed After Shoulder Arthroplasty?
The exercises include gentle range-of-motion therapy, strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder, and specific self-care movements. The programme is designed individually by a physiotherapist and adjusted according to the patient’s progress.
How Much Does Shoulder Arthroplasty Cost?
The cost of shoulder arthroplasty varies depending on the patient’s condition and the materials used. It usually includes the prosthesis, hospitalisation expenses, and the fee of the surgical team. For accurate information, the patient should discuss this with the treating physician.
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