Shoulder pain and acute stiffness can cause restrictions and difficulty in performing day-to-day activities. When non-surgical treatment does not provide any relief, shoulder replacement surgery becomes necessary. It helps to restore mobility, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve the overall functioning of the shoulders.
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical process in which the damaged part of the shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial implant.
The procedure typically involves removing the damaged ball-shaped head of the humerus bone and replacing it with an artificial metal ball.
Shoulder Replacement is recommended for those who are suffering from severe joint arthritis, fractures, or degenerative joint diseases that cause persistent pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The different types of shoulder replacement surgeries are as follows:
- Total Replacement Surgery
The surgical procedure where the shoulder joint replacement is performed, where both humerus and glenoid are removed and a prosthetic component is placed, is called Total Replacement Surgery. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and rotator cuff tears must undergo this procedure, which alleviates the pain and restores joint function.
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement
In reverse shoulder replacement, the positions of the ball and socket joints are changed. The ball is fixed to the shoulder socket, whereas the socket is attached to the upper arm bone. This process allows the deltoid muscle to control the arm movements instead of the damaged rotator cuff. This type of surgery is recommended to patients suffering from severe arthritis, rotator cuff degeneration, or when the traditional surgery fails.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement
Partial Shoulder joint surgery is performed when only the humerus bone is replaced with an artificial implant and the socket is working naturally. This surgery is recommended for people who are suffering from arthritis limited to one part of the shoulder joint or in case of fractures.
When do you need Shoulder Replacement surgery?
You can go for a shoulder replacement surgery in Delhi if you are suffering from the following:
- Osteoarthritis
The wear and tear of bones due to aging is one of the most common causes of shoulder replacement surgery. The surgery removes the painful and irritated bones with metal or plastic prosthetics that help in restoring the shoulder movements.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness of the shoulder joint. Severe damage can lead to cartilage damage and dysfunction of the shoulder joints.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
The combination of muscles and tendons that surrounds the shoulder joint is called the rotator cuff. Injury or damage to the rotator cuff causes difficulty in moving the joints, and when non-surgical methods are not effective, shoulder replacement surgery is required.
- Osteonecrosis
The condition in which the bone collapses due to insufficient blood supply is called osteonecrosis. In case osteonecrosis occurs in the shoulder bone, you might experience acute pain and stiffness.
- Fractures
In case of severe fractures that are taking too long to heal, you might need a partial or reverse shoulder surgery if the pain and swelling persists.
Procedure for the Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The process involved in the shoulder replacement surgery is as follows:
- The orthopaedic specialist in Delhi will ask for a series of tests like blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs for medical evaluation before the surgical process.
- The patient is given general or regional anesthesia as recommended by the surgeon.
- A small incision is made to access the damaged part of the shoulder.
- The affected bone and cartilage are removed and carefully replaced with an artificial prosthetic made of metal or plastic.
- The incision is closed with sutures.
Preventive Measures to Take Post Surgery
Once the surgery is performed, you must take certain precautions to heal fast and avoid any complications.
Some of the preventive measures are as follows:
- Wear a sling to keep the arm in position and protect the healing joint.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects as this will cause strain on the operated shoulder
- Engage in regular physical therapy sessions to gain strength and restore mobility functions
- Make gentle movements; avoid sudden movements as this will put pressure on the healing shoulder
- Avoid slouching or hunching as this puts strain on the shoulder muscles. Make a good posture.
- Follow a balanced diet that includes calcium, vitamin D, and protein-rich foods that promote overall recovery
Shoulder Replacement Cost in Delhi
Should replacement cost in Delhi depend on the following factors:
- Type of surgical method you are choosing: total, partial, or reverse replacement surgery.
- Experience of the orthopaedic surgeon
- Reputation of the hospital
- Location of the hospital
- Type of implant
- Pre and post-operative care
On average, the cost of joint surgery in Delhi is between ₹ 2,00,000 and ₹ 3,00,000.
The average cost breakdown of each type of surgery is as follows
- Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery ranges between ₹ 1,80,000 to 2,30,000 (average)
- Partial Shoulder Replacement ranges between ₹1,50,000 to ₹2,00,000 (average)
- Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgery ranges between ₹2,50,000 to ₹3,00,000 (average)
Shoulder pain can be overwhelming and can lead to chronic problems. For expert care, personalised treatment options and advanced surgical procedures lead to Primus Super Speciality Hospital, which is one of the best orthopaedic hospitals in Delhi. We have a team of expert doctors who are trained in cutting-edge technology and offer comprehensive rehabilitation and post-surgery care options.
