Any kind of surgery carries risks, so it is prudent to understand the pros and cons of the procedure you’re having. As orthopaedic surgeons we talk to our patients about the possible treatment options – including non-surgical options if there are any – and discuss the potential complications that may arise from surgery. Our aim is to make patients aware of the risks so they can make an informed decision, while dispelling any unfounded fears.
These are some of the most common concerns we hear patients express about having shoulder surgery. It is important to note that whilst these risks are possible, most are rare and most surgery is completed without complication.
If you’re worried and your particular anxiety isn’t covered here, contact us for advice and support.
“Is there a risk of developing an infection?”
Infection is one of the primary risk factors in any type of surgery because of the bacteria that occur naturally on the skin and within the environment. Your surgical team will take every possible care to prevent infection but occasionally it can still happen. When you undergo shoulder surgery you may be prone to Staph and Strep, which are common skin bacteria that can cause infection. Less common, but also associated with shoulder surgery, is Propionibacterium acnes, which is a bacteria that can live on the skin around the shoulder and is difficult to detect using standard tests.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will tell you what to look out for after surgery that could indicate a possible infection, including swelling, hardening and redness around the site of the incision, pain, fever and discharge from the wound site. There are different types of infection after surgery, including superficial infection which is limited to the area around the incision site and infection that affects the muscle and surrounding tissues under the incision or other parts of the body, including the organs. If not properly treated, an infection after surgery can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called septicaemia. Your orthopaedic surgeon will provide detailed advice about the steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection, such as how to care for the wound at home and how often to change the dressings. It’s important to follow this advice and be vigilant for any signs of infection.
“Can a frozen shoulder develop after surgery?”
If your shoulder is immobilised for a period of time after surgery to allow it to heal, it can become stiff and this increases the chances of developing a frozen shoulder. This is a painful condition that leads to pain, stiffness and immobility within the shoulder that can last for an extended period of time, often months or years. A frozen shoulder after surgery is the result of excessive scar tissue in the shoulder joint capsule and can occur in around 5% of patients aged 30-70 who undergo soft tissue shoulder surgery. It may be treated with cortisone injections or physiotherapy.
“What is chondrolysis and should I be worried?’
Chondrolysis is a rare complication of shoulder surgery. It is the result of damage to the cartilage that protects the joint, which can lead to the early development of shoulder arthritis. It can occur in younger patients who are treated for a sports-related injury and may lead to a permanent loss of mobility in the shoulder joint. If your surgeon believes you are at risk of chondrolysis they will discuss this with you and explain the precautions they will take to prevent the condition from occurring.
“What about nerve injury?”
There are several major nerves surrounding the shoulder joint and there is the potential to damage the nerves from either stretching during surgery or direct damage from instruments. The risk of nerve damage is generally low, and all orthopaedic surgeons take great care to avoid nerve damage, but if you are having very complex or revision surgery, there is a slightly higher risk. If this applies to you, your surgical team will discuss the possible risks with you prior to your procedure.
“Are there any other risks I need to be aware of?”
Other risks of surgery such as recurrence of the problem, failure of implants inserted into the bone, or fracture of the bone are specific to the type of surgery you are having, and should be discussed in advance with the surgical team.
If you are due to undergo shoulder surgery and are worried about the possible risks, talk to your orthopaedic surgeon or contact us for specialist advice and support.
Further reading can help distill any fears and put your mind at rest before surgery:
About: Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Treatments for Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder Arthritis: Can It be Treated?
Double Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Hearing patient stories via testimonials can also be a positive way to build your reassurance:
“I had a complete shoulder replacement surgery 2 years ago on my left shoulder for severe arthritis and 5 weeks ago on my right one. I have regained full range of movement on the left shoulder and expect the same on the right after physio is complete. No pain left at all! I can fully recommend Mr Ibrahim and am very grateful to have so much improved quality of life!”
Written by a private patient at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital – 1st June 2023
Orthopaedic Consultant & Surgeon | London
Thames Shoulder & Elbow are able to provide advice and support to anyone experiencing symptoms affecting the upper limbs (shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm and wrist).
Telephone: 020 376 15987
Email: admin@thamesshoulderandelbow.co.uk
Our Locations
Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, St John’s Wood – Directions
BMI The Syon Clinic, Brentford – Directions
HCA Chiswick Medical Centre, Chiswick – Directions
West Middlesex University Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Foundation Trust, Isleworth – Directions
