The Shoulder Solution: Shoulder Replacement in India

The shoulder is considered an important and complex joint that helps the arm have a greater range of motion than any other joint. Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that addresses the source of discomfort and malfunction in the shoulder joint by replacing damaged portions with artificial components known as prostheses. It has common reasons such as osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The shoulder replacement surgery procedure is meant to relieve pain, increase your range of motion, improve your strength, and enable you to use your shoulder and arm.

The 1950s introduced the first shoulder implants similar to today’s arthroplasties. It is considered a medical marvel of modern orthopedics as it offers a ray of hope for patients. It involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one, designed to copy the natural movement and function of the shoulder. The shoulder replacement in India is evolving with its advances in medical technology and surgical techniques, offering a new tenancy on life for struggling patients.

How does Shoulder Replacement Work?

The shoulder is a large socket and ball joint and can rotate with great motion compared to other joints in the human body. Our shoulder joint is made of tendons, bones, and ligaments, which hold the shoulder in place and allow movement. Shoulder bones include the collar bone (clavicle), a large flat triangular bone known as the shoulder blade (scapula), and upper arm bone (humerus). All the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder provide stability and support. A smooth, thin tissue, synovial membrane, secretes a small amount of fluid to lubricate the cartilage and eliminate friction in the shoulder.

What are the Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgeries?

There are various types of shoulder implants based on the type of shoulder joint damage you have, and those implants are:

Hemiarthrophsty (Partial Shoulder Replacement)

In this procedure, only the ball is resurfaced with an implant, and the stem is connected with the ball and is further articulated with the natural socket. Partial shoulder replacement is recommended only when the shoulder’s ball is damaged.

Primary (Anatomic) Total Shoulder Replacement

This procedure is the most common type of shoulder replacement surgery, known as Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) Replacement. The sides of the ball and socket sides of joints are resurfaced with implants.

Reserve Total Shoulder Replacement

Reverse total shoulder replacement is one of the most recommended implants for patients with weakened or torn rotator cuff tendons. The metal ball is attached to the socket side of the joint, and the socket is implanted at the top of the arm. In the procedure, the position of the socket and the ball are switched. By reversing the locations of the ball and socket, reverse total shoulder replacement allows alternative muscles to take over the function of the damaged one, which results in improved shoulder movement and stability.

Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty

This implant is recommended for patients with damaged or arthritic joint surfaces. In this surgery, the damaged joint surface gets replaced with an implant, where the socket side of the shoulder joint is left intact.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty

It is the type of implant recommended for patients with a damaged joint surface and a torn or weakened rotator cuff tendon. In this surgery, the ball side of the joint is replaced with an implant that has a small socket attached to it, which articulates with the natural socket side of the joint.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis is a condition that reduces movement in shoulder joints. The pain and stiffness gradually get worse and then it goes away. The shoulder joint consists of the humeral head (a ball) and the glenoid (socket). A frozen shoulder means the joint has become stuck and its movement is limited. It can be diagnosed by a physical exam where you'll have to move the arm in different ways to measure the pain and can find the frozen shoulder treatment. Doctors might use an anesthetic in the shoulder for numbness so the movement can be judged in a better way and this is called the injection test. Some other tests might include X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to figure out the problem.

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

People usually go through three stages with a frozen shoulder and the symptoms vary as well.

Freezing Stage

• Pain while moving shoulder
• Pain gets worse with time
• Shoulder movement is limited

Frozen Stage

• Pain might get better, stiffness gets worse
• Shoulder movement is more difficult
• Tough to do daily activities

Thawing Stage:

• Range of motion is back to normal

How Can We Treat a Frozen Shoulder?

Usually, a frozen shoulder gets better with time without any treatment. Some inflammatory drugs may help relieve the pain and inflammation of the shoulder. But somehow the symptoms are serious and do not improve over time, the frozen shoulder treatment may include:

• A corticosteroid injection
• Joint distension
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Shoulder manipulation
• Hot/cold compression packs
• TENS therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

Why is Shoulder Replacement Needed?

Shoulder replacement surgeries are an alternative for patients suffering from joint dysfunction. You may need a shoulder replacement if you have seen these symptoms:

• Severe shoulder pain affecting everyday activities
• Lost the most in the shoulder
• Weakness in the shoulder
• Severe shoulder pain affecting sleeping

The surgery is meant to relieve pain, improve strength, increase the range of motion, and enable people to use their arms or shoulders. Below are some more reasons why you may need shoulder replacement surgeries.

• Osteoarthritis: also called wear-and-tear arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage is damaged which covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
• Fractures: Fractures of the upper end of the humerus might require replacement, either due to injury or because previous fracture repair surgery failed.
• Rotator cuff injuries: it is a group of muscles and tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint and injuries in this area might result in cartilage or bone damage in the shoulder point.
• Osteonecrosis: some shoulder conditions may affect the blood flow to the humerus, and when a bone does not get the blood, it may collapse.
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders: it may be caused by an overactive immune system. If the inflammation is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, it can damage the cartilage and occasionally the underlying bone in the joint.

After surgery, the patient may face some risks and complications. The common risks and complications may include:

• Dislocation
• Fracture
• Rotator cuff failure
• Nerve damage
• Implant loosening
• Blood clots
• Infections

Note: above mention are some common risks, complications, and symptoms related to shoulder replacement treatment. but the procedure and recovery may vary from patient to patient case and surgeon’s preferences.

Procedure and Recovery After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The surgery is usually performed by giving general anesthesia or a nerve block to numb the shoulder and surgeons make an incision near the shoulder joint. The arthritic parts of the joint are replaced with prostheses (artificial components) made of plastic or metal. Then the humeral ball will be replaced with a metal ball, further attached to a stem. The glenoid socket is also with a polyethylene cup.

After the Shoulder replacement surgery, the patient is kept in the hospital and is monitored for 1-2 hours. There might be some oral medications for pain management and the arm might be in a sling for 24 hours. Patients are always motivated to get out of bed and move to prevent any blood clots. Many therapies like Physical or occupational therapy help patients to focus on simple exercises for better motion and how to perform daily activities without being injured in the new shoulder. Patients are always advised for regular follow-up checkups and monitoring with their surgeon.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in India

India has emerged as a popular destination for shoulder replacement surgery with its world-class medical infrastructure, skilled orthopedic surgeons, and affordable treatment options. Shoulder replacement surgery cost in India is considered affordable compared to other developed countries.

India’s hospitals have excellent medical infrastructure with world-class technology and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Some of the best Hospitals for Shoulder Replacement Treatment are:

• Medanta Medicity Hospital, Gurugram
• Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
• Fortis Hospital, Delhi
• Max Hospital, New Delhi
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi

These best hospitals are filled with skilled and experienced orthopedic surgeons who provide personalized care for your treatment in India. Some of the best orthopedic surgeons for Shoulder replacement Treatment in India are:

• Dr. Yash Gulati, a senior consultant orthopedic surgeon at Apollo Hospital. He specializes in spine surgeries and joint replacement, and he was awarded Padma Shri by the President.
• Dr. S.K.S Marya, chairman and chief of orthopedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, has experience of over 30 years. He specializes in trauma management and joint replacement surgery, especially joints of upper and lower limbs.
• Dr. Ashok Rajgopal, group chairman of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopedics at Medanta Medicity Hospital, has done more than 30,000 knee replacement surgeries.
• Dr. IPS Oberoi, head of orthopedics and chief of joint replacement and Arthroscopy at Artemis Hospital. He is one of the first surgeons to begin minimally invasive reconstructive surgery.
• Dr. Gurinder Bedi, principal director and HOD-Orthopedics at Fortis Hospital has an experience of over 30 years. He has expertise in joint replacement both in the lower limb and upper limb, arthroscopy, and spine surgery.

India has the best hospitals and surgeons, shoulder replacement treatment costs, and the recovery process. In the end, whether you are looking for surgical or non-surgical interventions, India offers a wide range of options to suit your personal and specific needs.

Conclusion

Shoulder replacement surgery is a very safe and effective procedure for pain relief and restoring mobility in patients with severe joint disease or damage. By understanding the types of replacement surgeries, the best surgeons and hospitals, and the recovery process, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, shoulder replacement surgery cost in India are still very affordable compared to other countries. Whether you are looking to alleviate chronic pain or regain your shoulder movements, shoulder replacement treatment in India is a reliable option worth considering. We, Medheal Global Care, as a medical tourism company connect you with the best hospitals and help you with online doctor consultations, and personalized care. We also help our international patients with their medical visas and local tourism and are always available for them with our 24/7 services.