Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India

The shoulder joint is a vital joint of the body that can rotate in a variety of ways. Damage to the shoulder joint can cause severe pain that limits a person from performing daily activities and even interferes with sleeping. Shoulder replacement surgery is suggested in this condition to improve mobility and relieve the pain.

Shoulder replacement surgery aims to replace damaged shoulder joint components with artificial parts known as prostheses in an attempt to eradicate the cause of pain and dysfunction. Many people with shoulder damage prefer to have shoulder replacement surgery in India due to the low cost and high success rate.

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Understanding of Shoulder Joint Anatomy

The acromioclavicular joint and the glenohumeral joint make up the shoulder joint. The acromion, the collar bone (clavicle), and a portion of the shoulder blade (scapula) meet at the acromioclavicular joint.  The glenoid, the socket, and the humeral head, or ball, meet at the glenohumeral joint.

The shoulder joint is also a kind of ball and socket joint. The head of the humerus, also called the ball articulates in the glenoid cavity, the socket. Like all the articulating surfaces, the humeral head is also covered with hyaline cartilage. This permits the shoulder joint to move smoothly by reducing friction when bones move against one another. The rounded humeral head is significantly larger than the socket, and a fibrocartilage rim deepens the glenoid cavity. This permits a better range of mobility.

Conditions That Lead To Requirements of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement is usually conducted to treat the pain and other side effects of damaged and injured shoulder joints. Following are the common underlying conditions suffered by people having shoulder replacement surgery in India.

• Osteoarthritis.
• Osteonecrosis.
• Fractures.
• Rotator cuff injuries.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disease.

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

There are different types of shoulder replacement surgery. Any type will be selected based on the requirements of the patient. Total shoulder replacement and partial shoulder replacement are the most commonly performed procedures of shoulder replacement surgery in India.

• Total shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) – In this procedure, both the head of the humerus and the glenoid are replaced with an artificial implant.
• Partial shoulder replacement (hemiarthroplasty) – In this procedure, the humeral head is replaced with a prosthesis while the natural bone of the glenoid is preserved.
• Reverse total shoulder replacement – This procedure is preferred when the rotatory cuff is severely damaged. Both the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are replaced, but instead of following the traditional replacement process, the artificial ball is attached to the glenoid, and the artificial socket is attached to the humeral head. 

Pre-Diagnostic Tests

Certain tests need to be performed to ensure that the patient is healthy enough to undergo the procedure and to determine the exact condition of the patient. Common tests performed before having hip replacement surgery in India include:

• Blood tests.
• MRI.
• X-ray.
• Electromyography (EMG).

These tests will help the surgeon to decide the most suitable type of surgery for the patient and the type of prostheses to be used.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure

The operation will be conducted under general or regional anesthesia to guarantee that there is no pain during the procedure. After making an incision to expose the shoulder joint, the surgeon will carefully remove the damaged tissue. After that, the artificial parts are precisely positioned and fastened using press-fit or medical-grade cement. The incision will be stitched closed and the surgical area will be draped with a sterile bandage.

Know More:- Should Replacement Surgery Cost in India

Risks Associated With Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement is considered a safe procedure. However, like any other major surgery, it has some risks associated with it. Some complications that can occur post-surgery are:

• Blood clots.
• Rotator cuff damage.
• Loosening of the implant.
• Dislocation.
• Fracture.
• Nerve damage.
• Infection.
• Requirement for further surgery.

The chances of complications are decreased when the operation is handled by an experienced surgeon with advanced tools and techniques.

Benefits of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Patients having shoulder replacement surgery can have the following benefits 

• Relief from pain.
• Increase in the range of motion.
• Reduced stiffness and improved mobility.
• Increase shoulder strength.

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgery Hospitals in India

1. Medanta-The Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon

2. Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

3. Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon

4. Indian Spinal Injuries Center, New Delhi

5. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

6. Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai

7. Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket

8. BLK Hospital New Delhi

9. MGM Healthcare, Chennai

10. Global Hospital, Chennai

Best Shoulder Replacement Surgery Doctors in India

1. Dr. Narender Kumar Magu

2. Dr. Jayant Arora

3. Dr. Yatinder Kharbanda

4. Dr. Ram Chidambaram

5. Dr. Yuvraj Kumar

6. Dr. IPS Oberoi

7. Dr. B. K. Singh

Why Choose To Have Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India?

Many foreigners choose to have shoulder replacement surgery in India, as India provides exceptional care with compassion and attentiveness to meet the patient’s needs. Also, Indian hospitals have orthopedic teams with surgeons who have board certification and understand every facet of the musculoskeletal system. Patients having shoulder replacement surgery in India have lower complication rates as the operation is carried out with the most advanced techniques available for orthopedic procedures.

Shoulder replacement is a complex procedure requiring a highly skilled surgical team and an excellently equipped operating room to carry out the operation effectively. Shoulder replacement surgery in India has a better outcome as the operations are performed by well-qualified surgeons with advanced techniques and equipment.

The other key factor is the cost-effectiveness. The cost of shoulder replacement surgery is much lower as compared to certain developed countries. However, the affordability does not degrade the quality of the outcome. This makes India even more preferable for those having a tight budget.

FAQ’s

Q: How Long Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Take?

A: The procedure of shoulder replacement surgery usually lasts for 60 to 90 minutes. On the other hand, pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery can lengthen the process. After the surgery, you will be shifted in the recovery until the anesthesia wears off. Your family members will be given updates regarding your condition and when you will be available to visit.

Q: When Will I Start Rehabilitation After The Surgery?

A: You will meet your rehabilitation therapist the day after the surgery. Managing pain during the recovery is very important. You will be given pain medication 30 minutes prior to your rehabilitation session to allow you to perform as much exercise as possible. You will have to continue these exercises after getting discharged from the hospital.

Q: What Is The Success Rate of Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

A: Shoulder replacement surgery is a very safe and successful procedure. According to reports, 90% of the patients do not face any complications up to 10 years following the surgery.

Q: Can There Be a Failure of the Shoulder Implant?

A: The prosthetic implants can malfunction though it rarely happens. The implant can also wear out due to certain reasons or after a long time of replacement. In these conditions, the surgeon might advise a revision procedure to remove and replace the joint prostheses. However, most revision surgeries are elective, implying that the patient can take some time to determine if they want to have another procedure.

Q: Is There a Permanent Restrictions Following Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

A: The majority of shoulder replacement surgery gives an excellent result enabling the patient to be able to perform most of the activities they used to perform before the surgery. The procedure restored the range of motion and gave pain relief to the patient. However, there are also some permanent restrictions following the surgery, doctors advised patients to never lift more than 25 pounds after the procedure.