Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Zimbabwe: Restoring Mobility and Relieving Pain

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is an advanced orthopaedic procedure designed to relieve chronic shoulder pain and restore joint function. In Zimbabwe, this procedure is gradually becoming more accessible as local hospitals expand their surgical capacity and specialist training. For patients suffering from severe arthritis, traumatic injuries, or degenerative joint diseases, shoulder replacement surgery offers renewed hope for improved mobility and quality of life.

Understanding Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The shoulder is a complex ball-and-socket joint that allows a wide range of motion. When the joint becomes damaged due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, or rotator cuff injuries, patients may experience persistent pain, stiffness, and limited movement. When non-surgical treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, and injections fail to provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be recommended.

The procedure involves replacing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components made of metal and medical-grade plastic. There are different types of shoulder replacement surgeries, including:

• Total Shoulder Replacement – Both the ball and socket are replaced.

• Partial Shoulder Replacement – Only the damaged ball portion is replaced.

• Reverse Shoulder Replacement – The positions of the ball and socket are switched, commonly used for patients with severe rotator cuff damage.

The choice of procedure depends on the patient’s condition, age, and level of joint damage.

Availability in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, shoulder replacement surgery is primarily available in major urban centers such as Harare and Bulawayo. Public institutions like Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and United Bulawayo Hospitals, as well as several private hospitals and specialist orthopaedic clinics, offer joint replacement procedures.

Historically, limited resources, implant shortages, and specialist gaps meant that many patients traveled outside the country for complex joint surgeries. However, ongoing government initiatives, skills-transfer programs, and partnerships with international orthopaedic specialists have significantly improved local capacity. Today, more Zimbabwean surgeons are trained to perform advanced joint replacement procedures, reducing the need for medical travel abroad.

Cost and Accessibility

The cost of shoulder replacement surgery in Zimbabwe varies depending on whether treatment is sought in a public or private facility. Private hospitals typically charge higher fees due to implant costs and hospital services. In public institutions, surgery may be more affordable, but patients sometimes face waiting lists and supply limitations.

Medical aid coverage can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses, though not all policies fully cover joint replacement procedures. Some hospitals and charitable organizations also assist patients with limited financial means, particularly in cases involving severe disability.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery typically involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by several weeks of physiotherapy. Rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength, flexibility, and function. Most patients experience significant pain relief within weeks and gradual improvement in shoulder movement over several months.

With proper post-operative care and adherence to rehabilitation programs, artificial shoulder joints can last many years, allowing patients to return to daily activities with improved comfort and mobility.

The Future of Shoulder Replacement in Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe continues to strengthen its healthcare infrastructure, access to advanced orthopaedic procedures like shoulder replacement surgery is steadily improving. Increased specialist training, better equipment availability, and expanded surgical programs are helping to make life-changing joint replacement surgeries more accessible to local patients.

Shoulder replacement surgery in Zimbabwe represents an important step forward in modern orthopaedic care, offering individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain a renewed opportunity for active and independent living.