Total and Partial Shoulder Replacement in Spain
The shoulder is a highly mobile joint, but also prone to injuries and degeneration. At INCOT, Dr. Rogelio Carratalá is a recognised expert in shoulder surgery, specialising in both arthroscopic repair and shoulder replacement.
- Rotator cuff tears, both acute and chronic
- Shoulder dislocations and instability (especially in athletes and young adults)
- Shoulder impingement, calcific tendinitis and bursitis
- Glenohumeral and acromioclavicular arthritis
- Complex trauma and joint replacements
We offer arthroscopic repair, joint preservation procedures and shoulder prostheses when necessary—always aiming to restore mobility and quality of life as fast as possible.
Shoulder Arthroplasty procedures
A shoulder replacement surgery can be performed in different ways depending on the condition of your shoulder and your lifestyle. Our specialists will evaluate which option is most suitable for you. The main types of shoulder replacement procedures are as follows:
Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Partial Shoulder Arthroplasty
Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a shoulder replacement procedure in which the worn or damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial components designed to replicate the shoulder’s natural structure. It is typically considered for patients with arthritis or joint damage who still have an intact rotator cuff.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is a shoulder replacement procedure in which the position of the ball and socket is reversed. It is often used when the shoulder joint is badly damaged and the rotator cuff is no longer working properly, helping improve movement, stability and pain relief.
Partial shoulder arthroplasty is a shoulder replacement procedure in which only the affected part of the joint is replaced with an artificial component. It may be recommended for patients whose shoulder damage is limited to one area of the joint, while the rest of the shoulder remains in reasonably good condition.
Why choose our team for your shoulder joint replacement surgery?
Private transport to and from airport, clinic, and hotel
English-speaking surgeons, anesthesiologists, and rehab staff
No waiting list — surgery planned at your convenience
Support for reimbursement through your home healthcare provider
Complex revision surgeries
Fast-track recovery with regional nerve blocks and enhanced protocols
Over 2,000 surgeries per year by highly experienced surgeons
Regional anesthesia and opioid-free protocols (OFA)
Minimally invasive techniques and short hospital stays
Exclusive access and private room accommodations
Private, modern hospital facilities with the latest technology
Coordinated medical care from a trusted orthopedic unit in Valencia
Our specialist team for your total or partial shoulder arthroplasty
Rogelio Carratalá
Dr. Rogelio Carratalá is a specialist in Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, with a particular focus on shoulder and upper limb conditions, including arthroscopic surgery and shoulder replacement procedures. He has extensive experience in the treatment of complex shoulder disorders and has been part of the Hand and Upper Limb Unit at Quirónsalud Valencia since 2017. He completed his specialist training at the University Clinical Hospital of Valencia and has further developed his expertise through international training, including a fellowship at the Badia Hand to Shoulder Center in Miami, USA. Alongside his clinical practice, he is actively involved in teaching, scientific publications and specialist training courses in shoulder and upper limb surgery.
Total or Partial Shoulder Replacement Rehab Protocol and Recovery
Recovery begins from the moment you wake up after surgery. A physiotherapist fluent in English will visit you in your room and start a gentle, guided rehabilitation programme tailored to your condition and stage of recovery. Once you are discharged, this same personalised care continues in your hotel or serviced apartment, helping you progress safely and comfortably day by day.
Our dedicated rehabilitation programme, combined with specialist pain management, allows many patients to recover more smoothly and comfortably than they might in overstretched public systems. With continuous support, clear guidance and close follow-up, we aim to make your recovery as reassuring and effective as possible.
Valencia also provides an ideal setting for post-surgical recovery. With walkable streets, mild weather, Mediterranean cuisine and a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, the city offers comfort and convenience during your rehabilitation. Combined with excellent private healthcare infrastructure, Valencia is a practical and welcoming destination for patients travelling from the UK for shoulder replacement surgery.
Request the cost of shoulder replacement surgery in Spain
Shoulder replacement surgery FAQs
A shoulder replacement is recommended when pain, stiffness and limited mobility are affecting your daily life, and other treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or injections are not working. This type of operation is usually performed in cases such as advanced osteoarthritis, complex fractures, severe joint damage or irreparable rotator cuff tears.
It depends on the type of shoulder replacement procedure: In an anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, the worn or damaged parts of the joint are replaced with artificial components designed to replicate the shoulder’s natural structure. In a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the damaged parts of the joint are replaced, but the position of the ball and socket is reversed. In a partial shoulder arthroplasty, only the damaged part of the joint is replaced, while the rest of the shoulder is preserved if it remains in good condition.
This depends on many factors, such as the type of surgery, the complexity of the case and the extent of joint damage. Typically, both reverse and anatomical total shoulder replacements take around two hours. Partial shoulder replacements usually take slightly less time, but this depends on many factors. In addition, the time required for anaesthetic preparation and post-operative care must be factored in.
Recovery following a total shoulder replacement is a gradual process. During the first few weeks, it is usually necessary to wear a sling and follow a programme of exercises and physiotherapy. Although pain and mobility improve gradually, full functional recovery can take several months. It usually takes around three months to regain useful shoulder movement, and improvement may continue for six to twelve months or longer.
When you return home or to your hotel room after a total shoulder replacement, you will usually need to wear a sling. During the first few weeks, the sling is usually removed only for washing, getting dressed and doing your physiotherapy exercises.
The results of total shoulder replacement surgery are generally very good. The main goal of the procedure is to relieve pain, although many patients also notice an improvement in shoulder movement and function.
As with any operation, total shoulder replacement surgery carries some risks. Possible complications include infection, blood clots, nerve injury, stiffness, dislocation, fracture, bleeding, damage to nearby tendons or blood vessels, and, over time, wear or loosening of the implant. In some cases, further surgery may be required.
