Understanding the structure of Shoulder

Our shoulder is one of the most complex and the largest joints of the body and its structure consists of – the shoulder joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the shoulder blade (scapula), just like a ball and socket joint and the collar bone (clavicle).

The other important parts of the shoulder consist of – the acromion, the coracoid process, the bursa, rotator cuff and the labrum. All these work in coordination to provide movement and strength to the shoulder joint. Any damage in these parts leads to shoulder Ailments like arthritis, gout, dislocation, wear & tear, bursitis, etc.

Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India

Total shoulder replacement surgery, also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, is a procedure in which the damaged ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder is replaced with an artificial implant. The surgery is performed to relieve pain and restore function in the shoulder.

Total shoulder replacement surgery in India is a major surgery which is performed by a qualified orthopedic surgeon only. The surgery is typically done under general anesthesia, which means that the patient will be asleep during the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the shoulder and then removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the joint. The surgeon then replaces the damaged joint with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic.

After the surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for several days so that doctors can monitor their recovery. Total shoulder replacement surgery in India has a higher success rate than other developed countries.

What happens during Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

General anesthesia is most commonly used for this surgery. Once you get unconscious after receiving anesthesia, the surgeon will carefully make a small incision in the shoulder joint to access the diseased area. He will then remove the humeral head and replace it with a new metallic implant/head. Now, he will smoothen the surface of the old socket and cement a new plastic socket over the surface of the glenoid. All this is done with the use of the latest equipment that help in performing the surgery precisely, without harming the delicate and healthy nerves.

After the completion of surgery, the incision area is closed using sutures or staples. And a dressing bandage is placed over the incision site.

The surgeon may also put a tube at the incision area, in order to drain out all the fluid collected in the joint area. This is removed after a certain period of time when it is no longer required.

The surgery usually takes around 2 to 3 hours.

After the operation, you will be shifted to a recovery area where all the vitals are regularly monitored by the nursing team and painkillers and antibiotics are given to administer the post op pain.

Once your condition is stable, you will be shifted to a ward area where you will be receiving physical therapy and post op management.

Post-op Recovery

Once you have been discharged from the hospital and get back home, kindly consider the following points during post-op recovery period:

• Do not take the help of arms while getting in or out of bed or sitting on a chair.
• putting your arm in any extreme position for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
• You will be asked to undergo physiotherapy after surgery for the next few weeks or months. Make sure you follow the instructions given by your physical therapist correctly.
• Avoid lifting any heavy weight for a few months, till your doctor has allowed you for the same.
• Do not bend or twist in a way that it strains your surgical site.
• You will also be required to wear a sling for the next 2 to 4 weeks. This acts as a support and protects your arm.
• Check with your doctor regarding returning to normal daily life activities like getting back to work, driving, etc.

Inform your treating doctor immediately in case of following symptoms:

• Severe pain or drainage from the surgical site.
• Numbness in the shoulder area.
• High fever.
• Redness, swelling or bleeding from the incision area.

Risks involved in the surgery

Following are the common risks involved in Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery:

• Common complications like reaction to medicines, bleeding, blood clots or breathing problems.
• The artificial joints have allergic reactions in some cases.
• Damage to the blood vessels or nerves during surgery.
• Breakage of healthy delicate bone during surgery.
• Dislocation of the new artificial joint.
• Chances of an artificial implant getting loose over a period of time.
• Post op stiffness in the shoulder due to incomplete or improper rehabilitation.

All the above risks can be avoided or taken care of if the patient is in the right hands, that is, under the care of an expert doctor and healthcare facility.

Cost of Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India

The cost of total shoulder replacement surgery in India can vary depending on the hospital you use, the type of implants used and your health insurance coverage. However, it is generally cheaper to have the surgery done in India than in developed countries such as the United States or Australia.

There are a number of hospitals and clinics in India that offer total shoulder replacement surgery at a fraction of the cost of hospitals in developed countries. For example, Hospital in Delhi charges starting from US $6,500 for the surgery, while a hospital in the United States would charge around US $50,000.