Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement surgery in Thane replaces the worn ball and socket of the shoulder, to relieve severe arthritis pain and help you use your arm again.
At a Glance
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- Who It's For
- Severe shoulder arthritis, some complex fractures, or large rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia, usually with a nerve block
- Hospital Stay
- Usually 2 to 3 days
- Walking Again
- Walking the same day; the arm rests in a sling for about 4 to 6 weeks
- Full Recovery
- Most daily activities by 3 months; strength keeps improving for 6 to 12 months
Typical figures. Your own plan depends on your health, age and the joint involved.
What Is Shoulder Replacement?
Total shoulder replacement surgery is done to relieve severe shoulder pain and disability caused by arthritis. In this operation, the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts (prostheses).
The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the top of the upper arm bone (the humeral head) and the socket is a shallow cup on the shoulder blade (the glenoid). Replacing both the ball and the socket is called a total shoulder replacement.
A group of tendons called the rotator cuff wraps around the joint and lifts and turns the arm. Whether these tendons are healthy decides which type of replacement you need.
Two Types of Shoulder Replacement
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
The worn ball is replaced with a metal ball and the socket is lined with a smooth plastic surface, copying the natural shape of the joint. This works best when the rotator cuff tendons are healthy.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement
The ball and socket are swapped: a metal ball is fixed to the shoulder blade and a cup to the arm bone. This changes how the shoulder works, so the large deltoid muscle can lift the arm even when the rotator cuff is badly torn. It is used for severe rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired, for arthritis caused by those tears, and for some complex fractures in older people.
Is This Right for Me?
Shoulder replacement is used for conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when medicines, injections, physiotherapy and activity changes no longer relieve the pain. Your doctor may recommend it if you have:
- Severe shoulder pain that restricts daily activities such as dressing, combing your hair or reaching a shelf
- Moderate to severe pain while resting, or pain that stops you sleeping on that side
- Certain types of complex shoulder fracture, especially in older people
- A severe rotator cuff tear that cannot be repaired, for which a reverse shoulder replacement may help
Not sure? Book a consultation to have it checked.
Not every painful shoulder needs a replacement. A frozen shoulder, tendon inflammation or a repairable rotator cuff tear are treated in other ways.
Dr. Gadkari’s Approach
Shoulder pain has many causes, and most do not need a replacement. Dr. Gadkari examines how your shoulder moves and how strong the rotator cuff is, and studies X-rays and sometimes an MRI or CT scan to find the exact cause.
If a replacement is right for you, he will explain whether an anatomic or a reverse replacement suits your shoulder, and what you can expect to do afterwards.
Understand Your Diagnosis
He goes through your X-rays and scans with you, so you know exactly what is wrong and why.
Try Non-Surgical Care
Medicines, physiotherapy, weight and activity changes come first, for as long as they help.
Operate When It Helps
Surgery is advised only when it will clearly improve your pain and daily life.
The Surgery, Step by Step
Getting Ready
Blood tests, an ECG, a physician's check-up and often a CT scan to plan the size and position of the implants.
Anaesthesia
Usually general anaesthesia, with a nerve block in the neck to keep the shoulder comfortable for many hours afterwards.
Opening the Joint
Through a cut at the front of the shoulder, the muscles are gently moved aside to reach the joint.
Fitting the New Joint
The worn ball and socket are shaped, and the new parts are fixed in place.
Closing and Protecting
The tissues are repaired, the wound is closed and the arm is placed in a sling.
Your Recovery Timeline
Day 1
Gentle elbow, wrist and hand movements. Walking around the ward.
Days 2 to 3
Home, with the arm in a sling and a clear exercise plan.
Weeks 4 to 6
The sling comes off and physiotherapy moves the shoulder more.
3 Months
Most daily activities, including dressing and light reaching.
6 to 12 Months
Strength and movement continue to improve.
Typical milestones. Everyone heals at a different pace, and your physiotherapist will adjust the plan to you.
Common Worries, Answered
How will I sleep with a sling?
Many people find it easier to sleep propped up on pillows, or in a reclining chair, for the first few weeks. A pillow under the elbow helps keep the arm comfortable.
Will I be able to lift my arm above my head?
Most people can raise the arm well enough for daily life, such as combing hair and reaching a shelf. How high you can lift depends on the type of replacement and the state of your muscles before surgery.
When can I drive?
Usually not until the sling is off and you can control the steering wheel safely, often around 6 weeks. Check with your surgeon first.
Risks Explained Plainly
The main risks of shoulder replacement are:
- Infection around the new joint, which is uncommon.
- Stiffness, which physiotherapy helps prevent.
- Instability or dislocation of the new joint.
- Nerve irritation, causing temporary numbness or weakness in the arm.
- Wear or loosening of the implant after many years.
Dr. Gadkari will explain how these apply to you before you decide.
“His diagnosis is always spot on, he explains things clearly and patiently, and thanks to him we’ve all recovered really well.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reverse shoulder replacement?
In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket are swapped, so the ball is fixed to the shoulder blade and the socket to the arm bone. This lets the large deltoid muscle lift the arm when the rotator cuff tendons are badly torn and cannot be repaired.
Is a frozen shoulder a reason for shoulder replacement?
No. A frozen shoulder is stiffness of the joint lining, not worn cartilage, and it usually improves with time, physiotherapy and sometimes an injection. Shoulder replacement is for joints damaged by arthritis, some complex fractures, or rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired.
How long does a joint replacement last?
Modern knee and hip replacements last many years. Most are still working well 15 to 20 years after surgery, and many last longer. Keeping a healthy weight and staying active with low-impact exercise such as walking, cycling and swimming helps them last.
Is joint replacement covered by health insurance?
Most health insurance policies in India cover joint replacement when it is medically needed. Check your policy for waiting periods, room-rent limits and any co-payment. The hospital's insurance desk can usually arrange cashless approval before you are admitted.
Book a Consultation
Talk to Dr. Gadkari about shoulder replacement. Message the clinic on WhatsApp or call, and they will find a time and place that suits you.
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