Knee and hip replacement get most of the attention, but arthritis and joint damage don’t stop there. Shoulder, elbow and ankle joints can wear out too, from arthritis, old trauma, or repetitive strain over years, and when they do, the impact on daily life — reaching overhead, gripping, walking on uneven ground — is significant.
Shoulder Replacement
Recommended for advanced shoulder osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or complex fractures of the proximal humerus. Depending on the condition of the rotator cuff, this may be a standard total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement — the choice depends on your specific anatomy and the pattern of joint damage.
Elbow Replacement
Less common than knee, hip or shoulder, elbow replacement is typically reserved for severe rheumatoid arthritis, complex fractures, or post-traumatic arthritis where the joint has become significantly unstable or painful with normal use.
Ankle Replacement
An alternative to ankle fusion for patients with advanced ankle arthritis, particularly where preserving some joint motion (rather than fusing the joint solid) matters for the patient’s activity level and lifestyle.
What To Expect
Each of these is a more specialised procedure than knee or hip replacement, with lower case volumes nationally simply because they’re needed less often. The workup is similar in principle — imaging, a clinical assessment of joint damage and surrounding soft tissue, and a plan built around your specific anatomy and activity goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?
A total shoulder replacement mimics the joint’s normal mechanics and requires an intact rotator cuff. A reverse shoulder replacement changes the joint’s mechanics to let the deltoid muscle do more of the work, and is used when the rotator cuff is significantly damaged.
Is ankle replacement better than ankle fusion?
Neither is universally ‘better’ — it depends on the patient. Ankle replacement preserves some joint motion; fusion eliminates motion but can offer more predictable pain relief in certain cases. This is decided individually based on your activity level, bone quality and the extent of damage.
How common is elbow replacement compared to knee or hip?
Much less common — it’s typically reserved for severe rheumatoid arthritis or complex trauma, since the elbow tolerates less mechanical stress than a knee or hip implant over time.
What causes shoulder arthritis?
Wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, prior injury or fracture, and rotator cuff tears left untreated over years can all lead to shoulder joint damage significant enough to need replacement.
How long is recovery for shoulder or ankle replacement?
Generally shorter than hip or knee for the initial mobilisation, but full recovery and return to activity still typically takes several months, with a structured physiotherapy plan specific to the joint involved.