Shoulder replacement surgery is a medical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or broken shoulder joint with an artificial one. The shoulder joint is a type of ball-and-socket joint. The ball-shaped surface of one rounded bone fits into the cup-like socket of another. When the joint is damaged, it leads to pain, feebleness, and inelasticity.

The orthopedic surgeon removes the infected part of the shoulder. And a new joint made of metal and plastic is implanted in place. After this medical surgery is done with, you will have to undergo physical therapy. It enables a speedy recovery and quick strength in the shoulder joint. This medical surgery is commonly employed so that patients return to their day-to-day activities with minimum endurance of pain.

Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Some types of shoulder replacements that are designed to satisfy specific needs are listed below:

1. Total Shoulder Replacement:

It is the most common type and a complex procedure. Here the shoulder joint is replaced with artificial parts. The implant consists of metallic and plastic components.

2. Partial Shoulder Replacement:

This type of procedure is often done when the socket is still healthy. Only the injured portion of the shoulder is replaced. Typically, only the ball of the humerus is changed while the socket is untouched in the scapula.

3. Reverse Shoulder Replacement:

This type swaps the positions of the ball and socket.

Need for Shoulder Replacement

If your shoulder joint is injured or ill at ease and no other therapies are effective, you may require this procedure.

Common reasons for the surgery include:

1. Arthritis:

Severity of this condition can cause joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

2. Rotator Cuff Tears:

Large or unrepairable tears in the rotator cuff can cause degenerative discomfort and weakness.

3. Fractures:

Shoulder fractures that are serious and need urgent attention may necessitate replacement.

4. Joint Deformities:

Conditions that alter the shape of the shoulder joint may impair its function.

Benefits

This procedure provides many benefits to people who suffer from extended shoulder joint discomfort and dysfunction. Some of these are:

1. Pain Comfort:

This medical procedure immediately alleviates chronic shoulder pain, reduces discomfort and redness. Also it enhances the overall quality of life.

2. Better Motion:

Pain might make it difficult to conduct ordinary tasks such as lifting, reaching, and dressing.
Shoulder replacement improves joint function, increasing range of motion and making daily chores easier.

3. An improved Quality of Life:

With improved movement and low pain, you can participate in activities, such as sports, hobbies, and daily duties.

Risks

Possible consequences of shoulder replacement surgery are:

1. Fracture:

The humerus, scapula, or glenoid bones can all break during or after surgery.

2. Dislocation:

It is possible that the ball of your replacement joint will come out of the socket.

3. Implant loosening:

Shoulder replacement components are strong, but they may loosen or wear over time. In rare situations, you may require additional surgery to replace the loose components.

4. The rotator cuff failed:

The rotator cuff, a collection of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, might wear out after a partial or whole anatomic shoulder replacement.

5. Nerve injury:

Nerves in the area where the implant is put may be damaged. It may result in numbness, weakness, and irritation.

6. Blood clots:

Clots can appear in the arms or legs after surgery.

Procedure

Below is the overview of the medical procedure in brief:

1) Patient Evaluation:

Before the start of this procedure, doctors analyze your medical history, examine your shoulder, and use X-rays or scans to assess the joint status.

2) Preparation:

You will be given a general anesthetic drug that will numb the required region. It will make you feel sleepy and not experience discomfort during the procedure.

3) Incision:

The surgeon makes an incision above your shoulder to reach the injured joint. The location and size of the cut may vary depending on the type of replacement being performed.

4) Bone Preparation:

Damaged shoulder bone and cartilage are removed in preparation for the new prosthetic pieces.

5) Placement of the implant:

The surgeon inserts artificial joint pieces consisting of metal, plastic, or ceramic. These contain a replacement ball to replace the upper arm bone’s head, and a socket.

6) Evaluation:

The surgeon will see that the shoulder joint is realigned properly and check the motion also.

7) Closure:

Once the medical surgery is done with, the cuts are closed with sutures. Sterile dressing is used to keep the surgery area clean and safe.

8) Recovery:

The patient awakens from anesthesia following surgery. Medical personnel will then monitor you for vital signs in a recovery room. You may be admitted overnight or released the same day, depending on how serious the procedure is.
This includes pain treatment, elevating the elbow to reduce swelling, and beginning physical therapy to recover flexibility and strength. The treatment approach promotes normal healing and restores function to the elbow joint.

Cost of Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India

Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 5,00,000 is what you will have to shell out for this procedure in India. The total cost may differ from person to person, as the various factors will have to be taken into consideration. These include:

Type of surgery
Preoperative tests
The doctor’s consultation charges and the surgeon’s preference. Experienced surgeon’s cost more than less experienced ones.
The hospital location and type. Private hospitals and those located in big cities cost more.

Shoulder Replacement Treatment