During the operation, the shoulder joint is opened, and special instruments are used to remove damaged cartilage and part of the bone at the top of the humerus. A small tunnel is drilled into the shaft of the bone, and the metal component is then positioned, sometimes using cement to secure it. If the cartilage in the glenoid (the socket) is not damaged, then this will be left as it is. If it is damaged, then a new plastic socket will be fitted. The joint is then sown up. Although the operation is to relieve pain, it may be several weeks until you begin to feel the benefit. You will be given pain-killers (either as tablets or injections) to help reduce the discomfort whilst you are in hospital. You will probably have some bruising around the shoulder/upper arm and the arm may be swollen. This will gradually disappear over a period of a few weeks. A sling will be provided sling for comfort and to protect the shoulder after the operation. You will be shown exercises by the physiotherapist and will start to move the shoulder on the first day after the operation. You will then need to continue with exercises when you go home and outpatient physiotherapy appointments will be organised for you. You will probably be off work approximately 6 - 8 weeks, depending on the type of job you have. If you are involved in lifting, overhead activities or manual work you are advised not to do these for 3 - 6 months. It is normally about 6 - 8 weeks before you can drive safely. You may find it is more difficult if your left arm has been operated on because of using the gear stick/handbrake. All operations involve an element of risk, some of which include complications relating to anaesthetic, and risk of post-operative infection (usually superficial wound problems).