Shoulder replacement in Bath
A shoulder replacement replaces the worn surfaces of the shoulder joint with metal and plastic components. It is considered for arthritis or severe rotator cuff damage when pain limits daily life and other treatments have stopped helping. Mr Chambler performs anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements at Sulis Hospital Bath and Bath Clinic.
Consulting at Sulis Hospital Bath, Bath Clinic and St Joseph's Newport
Typical ranges from the patient information leaflet. Your own plan is agreed at consultation.
Is this procedure for me?
Most people who have a shoulder replacement have lived with a painful, stiff shoulder for some time and tried other treatments first. It is not usually the first option, and for many people it is never needed.
Usually considered when
- Pain disturbs sleep most nights
- Everyday tasks such as dressing and reaching are limited
- X-rays show advanced arthritis or an irreparable rotator cuff
- Injections and physiotherapy have stopped helping
Other options first
- Activity changes and physiotherapy
- Steroid or hydrodilatation injections with the radiology team
- Pain management input
- Keyhole procedures where the joint surface is preserved
Read more about shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tears. Whether surgery is right for you is a decision you and Mr Chambler make together at consultation.
What happens, step by step
- Consultation and imaging
You meet Mr Chambler in clinic. He examines your shoulder, reviews your X-rays and may arrange a CT or MRI scan with the radiology team. - Planning
If a replacement is the right option, he explains which type suits your shoulder, the likely recovery and the risks. You can take time to decide. - The operation
You have a general anaesthetic with a nerve block to numb the arm. The worn joint surfaces are replaced with metal and plastic components. - The first day
Your arm rests in a sling. A physiotherapist shows you how to move your hand and elbow safely and how to manage the sling. - Going home
Many people go home after one or two nights, with pain relief, a physiotherapy plan and a wound check arranged. - Follow-up
Mr Chambler sees you in clinic to check the wound and X-rays, and again as your recovery progresses.
What it can achieve, and what can go wrong
What it can achieve
- Relief of arthritic pain for most patients
- Better sleep
- Improved movement for daily tasks
- Implants that in registry data commonly last well over ten years
What can go wrong
- Infection: about 2 to 3 in 100 after a reverse replacement
- Dislocation or instability
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Fracture around the implant
- Loosening or wear over time needing revision
- Stiffness
- The risks of any anaesthetic
The infection figure is from a large review of reverse shoulder replacement (Shah and others, 2020). Mr Chambler discusses the rates that apply to your type of replacement at consultation, including revision rates from the National Joint Registry.
Mr Chambler goes through these with you before you decide, and you sign consent only when you are ready.
Recovery
Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person. These are typical ranges.
Week 1
Sling, pain relief, gentle hand and elbow movement. Home within a day or two.
Weeks 2 to 6
The sling comes off in stages, physiotherapy starts, light daily tasks.
6 to 12 weeks
Driving for many people, return to desk work, building movement.
3 to 6 months
Most activities, with strength improving.
Up to a year
Full benefit for many patients.
Who looks after you
Mr Andrew Chambler
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon since 2003
FRCS (Tr and Orth)
He sees you at every consultation and performs your operation. Around him is a small team you will meet along the way.
Radiologistscarry out imaging and guided injections.
Anaesthetistsplan your anaesthetic and nerve block and see you before the operation.
Physiotherapistsguide your rehabilitation, working to Mr Chambler's published protocols.
Pain managementspecialists are involved when it is needed.
Gail Lane's officehandles bookings, insurance and admissions.
Where it is done
Sulis Hospital Bath
Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SQ
Free parking on site.
From Bath: about 15 minutes from the city centre by car.
From Bristol: about 25 minutes from the city centre by car.
Bath Clinic, Circle Health Group
Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 7BR
From Bath: about 10 minutes from the city centre by car, on Claverton Down.
From Bristol: about 35 minutes from the city centre by car via the A4.
St Joseph's Hospital, Newport
Harding Avenue, Malpas, Newport NP20 6ZE
Consultations for patients in South Wales.
From Bath: about an hour by car via the M4.
From Bristol: about 40 minutes by car over the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4).
Paying for treatment
Insured
Self-pay
NHS
Your self-pay quote is confirmed in writing after your consultation, once the type of replacement is agreed.
How soon can I be seen?
New patients are usually seen within one to two weeks.
Updated November 2026
Questions patients ask
Will I need a GP referral?
If you are insured, your insurer will usually ask for a GP referral before authorising treatment. If you are paying for yourself, Gail can tell you whether a referral letter is needed and what to bring.
How soon can I be seen?
New patients are usually seen within one to two weeks. If surgery is the right option, Mr Chambler can tell you the likely wait for the operation at your consultation.
Which hospital will I be in?
Shoulder replacements are performed at Sulis Hospital Bath and Bath Clinic. You can choose the one that suits you, subject to your insurer if you have one.
Is the reverse replacement different?
Yes. A reverse replacement swaps the ball and socket positions so the deltoid muscle can lift the arm. It is usually considered when the rotator cuff tendons are badly damaged. Mr Chambler explains which type suits your shoulder at consultation.
What if I live in Bristol?
Sulis Hospital is about 25 minutes from central Bristol by car, with free parking. Many patients travel from Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire for consultations and surgery.
Can I have it done on the NHS with Mr Chambler?
NHS treatment is arranged through a GP referral. Gail can explain the current options when you get in touch.
Talk to us about your shoulder
Gail Lane, Mr Chambler's practice manager, replies within one working day.
