Shoulder Replacement in Spain for Irish Patients
Explore private shoulder replacement surgery in Spain with specialist assessment before you travel. Surgery Now coordinates your orthopaedic consultation, treatment pathway and travel, and supports your HSE Cross Border Directive reimbursement application where eligible.
- ✓Specialist shoulder assessment — Discuss your diagnosis, imaging and proposed treatment with your orthopaedic surgeon before travelling.
- ✓Total, reverse and partial replacement pathways — Your surgeon confirms which procedure, if any, is clinically appropriate for your shoulder.
- ✓HSE reimbursement support — We guide you through Cross Border Directive paperwork and next steps where eligible.
Understand whether shoulder replacement is the right next step
Persistent shoulder pain and stiffness can make everyday movements difficult, including dressing, lifting your arm and sleeping comfortably. If you have been advised that you may need shoulder replacement, or you are waiting for planned orthopaedic treatment in Ireland, Surgery Now can help you explore a specialist pathway in Spain.
Shoulder replacement and shoulder arthroplasty
Shoulder replacement, also called shoulder arthroplasty, replaces damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components. Your orthopaedic surgeon reviews your diagnosis, imaging, symptoms and general health before confirming whether an anatomic, reverse, partial or other treatment pathway is appropriate.
Conditions that may lead to specialist assessment:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Other severe shoulder joint damage
Why patients choose Surgery Now for shoulder replacement
Designed around the real questions patients ask before travelling abroad for surgery.
Speak to your surgeon before travelling
You can have a free video consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon before you travel, so you understand your treatment plan and can ask questions first.
Treatment planned around your dates
We work around your schedule and help coordinate the appointment pathway, travel, accommodation and transfers.
HSE reimbursement support
We help prepare the documentation and guide you through the Cross Border Directive reimbursement process. Eligibility and the amount repaid are determined by the HSE.
Total, reverse and partial shoulder replacement in Spain
“Shoulder replacement” can refer to different procedures. The correct operation depends on your joint damage, tendon function, imaging and clinical assessment, so your orthopaedic surgeon confirms the treatment plan before you travel.
Total shoulder replacement
Total or anatomic shoulder replacement replaces the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components. Your surgeon decides whether this approach is appropriate after reviewing your shoulder and rotator cuff function.
Reverse shoulder replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the geometry of the artificial joint and may be considered when an anatomic replacement is not suitable. The decision is based on specialist assessment and imaging.
Partial shoulder replacement
In selected cases, a partial replacement may be considered instead of replacing both joint surfaces. Your surgeon confirms whether this is appropriate for your diagnosis and individual shoulder.
Shoulder replacement cost in Spain and HSE reimbursement
If you are comparing private shoulder surgery in Ireland and Spain, Surgery Now helps you understand the treatment quote, what is included in your clinical pathway and how the HSE Cross Border Directive reimbursement process works where eligible.
Your shoulder surgery quote
The final cost depends on the procedure, implant requirements, hospital stay and related care. After specialist review, Surgery Now can explain the proposed treatment and provide a clear quote before you decide whether to proceed.
How HSE repayment is calculated
For eligible Cross Border Directive care, the HSE repayment is generally the lower of the amount paid for healthcare abroad and the cost of the same healthcare in Ireland's public system. Any shortfall remains the patient's responsibility.
Check before travelling
For inpatient or day-case treatment, HSE prior notification can be requested before travel to check eligibility to apply and receive an indication of the possible reimbursement amount. The exact amount is confirmed after treatment.
Meet your orthopaedic shoulder specialists in Spain
Speak with your surgeon in a free video consultation before travelling, so you can feel confident before making a decision.
Dr. Ángel David González Pérez
Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology
Dr. Hugo Marquina Ferrer
Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology
Shoulder replacement with TraumaCare Clinic
Your shoulder replacement is performed by the TraumaCare Clinic team in Spain, with specialist orthopaedic surgeons and a coordinated pathway focused on diagnosis, surgery and recovery.
Surgery Now helps keep the process organised before, during and after your trip.
How Surgery Now helps you
Six practical steps from your first enquiry and specialist review to treatment and HSE reimbursement paperwork.
Tell us about your shoulder condition
Complete the form and our team will contact you to understand your shoulder pain, diagnosis and current situation.
Speak with your surgeon
Have a free video consultation before travelling, so you can ask questions first.
Confirm your treatment plan
Your surgeon confirms whether total, reverse, partial or another shoulder treatment is clinically appropriate, then Surgery Now helps coordinate suitable dates.
Travel to Spain
We help coordinate hospital appointments, accommodation and transfers.
Have your shoulder replacement
Your shoulder replacement takes place with your specialist orthopaedic team in Spain.
HSE reimbursement support
We help with the reimbursement documentation and next steps where eligible.
Patients who travelled with Surgery Now
Real experiences from patients who used Surgery Now to access treatment abroad.
“What an experience with Surgery Now. They kept us informed all the way. I definitely recommend this if anyone is looking to be operated on for a shorter wait time.”
Didi ValenteGoogle review“From arrival to departure and surgery in between, I was looked after incredibly well by all at Trauma Care. Home now on my recovery journey, thanks to all involved.”
Stephen McEneaneyGoogle review“A great experience. I would recommend anyone to use Surgery Now if they are on long waiting lists. The team was amazing, very friendly and professional.”
Marie FlanaganGoogle reviewFind out if shoulder replacement in Spain is suitable for you
Tell us about your shoulder condition and our team will contact you to explain the specialist review, treatment pathway, travel coordination and HSE reimbursement support where eligible.
Check My EligibilityFrequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about shoulder replacement in Spain, reverse and total shoulder replacement, costs, HSE reimbursement and travelling from Ireland.
What is the difference between total and reverse shoulder replacement?
Total or anatomic shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement use different implant configurations. The best option depends on your joint damage, tendon function, imaging and other clinical factors, so your orthopaedic surgeon confirms the procedure after assessment.
What is partial shoulder replacement?
A partial shoulder replacement replaces only part of the joint rather than both joint surfaces. It is suitable only in selected cases and must be confirmed by your orthopaedic surgeon after clinical assessment.
Can I speak to the shoulder surgeon before I travel?
Yes. You can have a free video consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon before travelling, so you can discuss your diagnosis, imaging, proposed surgery and questions.
Can shoulder replacement be reimbursed by the HSE under the Cross Border Directive?
Planned healthcare abroad may be eligible under the Cross Border Directive when HSE criteria are met. The HSE determines eligibility and the amount that can be repaid. Surgery Now can help you understand the process and prepare the relevant documentation.
How much can the HSE reimburse?
For eligible care, HSE reimbursement is generally limited to the lower of the amount paid for healthcare abroad and the cost of the same healthcare in Ireland's public system. Any difference is normally paid by the patient.
Do I need to pay for shoulder surgery upfront?
The Cross Border Directive operates as a reimbursement scheme, so patients generally pay the healthcare provider first and then apply to the HSE for repayment with the required documentation.
Can I check HSE eligibility before travelling?
For inpatient or day-case treatment, you can apply to the HSE for prior notification before travel. This can confirm whether you are eligible to apply and provide an indication of the potential repayment amount.
What does shoulder replacement cost in Spain?
The final cost depends on the procedure, implant requirements, hospital stay and related care. Surgery Now can provide a clear treatment quote after specialist review and before you decide whether to proceed.
Will Surgery Now help with travel and accommodation?
Yes. Surgery Now assists with hospital appointments, accommodation, transfers and practical arrangements. Travel and accommodation costs should not be assumed to be reimbursable under the HSE Cross Border Directive.
What happens after I submit the form?
A coordinator reviews your details and contacts you to discuss your shoulder condition, current situation and possible next steps.