Shoulder Replacement Surgery
in Singapore
Persistent shoulder pain can make simple movements such as lifting your arm, reaching overhead or even getting dressed increasingly difficult. Some people may also experience stiffness, weakness or grinding sensations in the joint, which can interfere with sleep, work and everyday activities.
When shoulder symptoms continue despite rest, physiotherapy or medication, further evaluation may be needed to identify the underlying cause. In certain cases, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended to address severe joint damage. By replacing the worn or damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components, the procedure aims to relieve pain, restore movement and help patients return to daily activities with greater comfort.
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery and Who Needs It?
Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, involves replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components made of medical-grade metal and plastic. The shoulder joint consists of the humeral head (the ball) and the glenoid (the socket). Depending on the severity of joint damage, either part or both components may be replaced during the procedure.
The surgery is typically considered when severe shoulder damage leads to persistent pain, reduced mobility and difficulty performing everyday activities. It may be recommended after non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or corticosteroid injections have not provided sufficient relief.
Conditions that may lead doctors to consider shoulder replacement surgery include:
Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of cartilage in the shoulder joint that can cause pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy
A complex condition where long-term rotator cuff damage leads to joint instability and arthritis.
Post-traumatic Arthritis
Joint damage that develops after a previous shoulder injury or fracture.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation and progressive joint damage.
Avascular Necrosis
Loss of blood supply to the bone, which can cause the joint surface to collapse and deteriorate.
Severe Shoulder Fractures
Complex fractures of the upper arm bone near the shoulder that may not be suitable for repair with other surgical methods.
Candidates for shoulder replacement surgery are often individuals whose symptoms significantly affect their daily activities and who have not experienced adequate improvement with conservative treatment. A thorough orthopaedic assessment helps determine whether shoulder replacement or another treatment option is most appropriate.
What to Expect From Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery involves careful preparation, a precise surgical procedure and structured rehabilitation to support healing and restore shoulder function.
Preparing for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
- Optimise existing medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- Temporarily stop certain medications if recommended by your doctor
- Avoid food and drinks for a specified period before surgery
- Arrange for assistance at home during the early recovery phase
Shoulder Replacement: Procedure Overview
- An incision is made around the shoulder joint to access the damaged structures
- The worn or damaged portions of the humeral head and sometimes the glenoid are removed
- Artificial components made of metal and medical-grade plastic are implanted
- The joint is carefully positioned to restore stability and function
- The incision is closed and dressed to protect the surgical site
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Wearing a sling to support the shoulder during the early recovery period
- Gradually beginning physiotherapy to restore movement and strength
- Taking prescribed pain-relief medication to manage discomfort
- Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and recovery progress
Treatment Benefits
How Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Improve Shoulder Function?
Shoulder replacement surgery can help relieve pain, restore joint movement and improve shoulder function when the joint surfaces are severely damaged. Patients may experience several benefits, including:
Pain Relief
Replacing worn or damaged joint surfaces can significantly reduce chronic shoulder pain caused by arthritis or joint degeneration.
Improved Shoulder Mobility
Restoring smoother joint movement can help increase range of motion, making everyday activities such as reaching, lifting and dressing easier.
Enhanced Shoulder Strength
With proper rehabilitation, many patients regain shoulder strength, improving stability and the ability to perform daily tasks.
Better Quality of Life
Reduced pain and improved function often allow patients to return to their usual routines with greater comfort and confidence.
Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks and Complications of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, shoulder replacement surgery carries certain risks. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss these with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise complications.
Although shoulder replacement surgery is generally considered safe, possible risks may include:
- Infection at the surgical site or within the joint
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Nerve or blood vessel injury around the shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness or reduced range of motion after surgery
- Implant loosening, wear or dislocation over time
- Persistent pain or discomfort after the procedure
Careful surgical planning, proper post-operative care and adherence to rehabilitation instructions help reduce these risks. Regular follow-up appointments allow your doctor to monitor healing and address any concerns promptly.
Cost of Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Singapore
The cost of shoulder replacement surgery in Singapore includes fees for the surgeon, anaesthesia and the use of operating theatres and hospital facilities. Implant costs also contribute significantly, as the prosthetic components used in shoulder replacements are typically made from high-quality materials designed to last for years.
Key Cost Drivers
Key factors that may influence the overall cost of shoulder replacement surgery include:
Type and complexity of the procedure
Hospital or surgical facility
Surgeon’s expertise and professional fees
Pre-operative tests and imaging
Length of hospital stay
Post-operative rehabilitation
Insurance and Financing
Patients in Singapore may also be able to use MediSave, MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans to help offset certain medical expenses, depending on eligibility and insurance coverage. During consultation, your orthopaedic specialist can provide a personalised cost estimate based on your condition, treatment plan and hospital choice.
Improve Shoulder Strength with HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent shoulder pain, stiffness or weakness can gradually limit daily activities and reduce overall quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of shoulder symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, shoulder replacement surgery may help restore joint function, relieve pain and support a return to everyday activities with greater comfort and mobility.
Improve Shoulder Strength with HC Orthopaedic Surgery
Persistent shoulder pain, stiffness or weakness can gradually limit daily activities and reduce overall quality of life if left untreated. Early assessment allows doctors to identify the underlying cause of shoulder symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment before the condition progresses. When non-surgical treatments no longer provide sufficient relief, shoulder replacement surgery may help restore joint function, relieve pain and support a return to everyday activities with greater comfort and mobility.
Our Specialised Team
At HC Orthopaedic Surgery, patients receive personalised care for a wide range of shoulder conditions, with treatment plans tailored to the severity of the condition, lifestyle demands and long-term recovery goals. The team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao and Dr Tang Zhi Hao, all of whom manage a wide spectrum of shoulder conditions. In particular, Dr Toon has completed advanced fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery in Sydney, Australia, supported by the Ministry of Health Singapore under the Health Manpower Development Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shoulder Replacement Surgery
How long does a shoulder replacement implant last?
Will I set off airport metal detectors after shoulder replacement surgery?
Can I sleep on my side after shoulder replacement surgery?
Are there activities I should avoid after shoulder replacement?
Will weather changes affect my shoulder implant?
Can shoulder replacement surgery be performed on both shoulders?
Meet Our Specialist Team
Our team comprises Dr Henry Chan, Dr Nicholas Yeoh, Dr Toon Dong Hao, and Dr Tang Zhi Hao — experienced orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialty experience and a patient-centred approach to care.
Dr Henry Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Henry Chan is an experienced orthopaedic surgeon specialising in joint replacement and complex revision surgery. Trained at the renowned Helios Endo-Klinik in Germany under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he has performed over 1,000 joint replacements and specialises in computer-assisted and robotic joint replacement techniques for precise outcomes.
Dr Nicholas Yeoh
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Edinburgh), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Nicholas Yeoh is an MOH-accredited orthopaedic specialist and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in hip and knee reconstruction in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, he specialises in minimally invasive joint replacement, robotic surgery and advanced techniques that enhance recovery and surgical outcomes.
Dr Toon Dong Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBChB (Leeds), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Toon Dong Hao is a skilled orthopaedic surgeon and Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Fellowship-trained in Advanced Shoulder and Elbow Surgery in Sydney under the MOH HMDP scholarship, Dr Toon specialises in sports injuries, arthroscopic surgery and complex shoulder, elbow and knee procedures to restore function and mobility.
Dr Tang Zhi Hao
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery), FRCS (Edinburgh)
Dr Tang Zhi Hao is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He completed his Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System in Seoul under Professor Jin Woo Lee. Prior to private practice, he served as Consultant and Deputy Head of Orthopaedics at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital.