Your shoulder is made up of three bones: upper arm bone (humerus), shoulder blade (scapula) and collarbone (clavicle) making it a ball-and-socket joint. Shoulder replacement is a joint replacement surgery in which all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. This joint replacement surgery generally is conducted to relieve severe arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage. Although shoulder joint replacement is less common in India as compared to knee or hip replacement, it is just as successful in relieving joint pain. In this surgery a plastic material is attached to the socket and the top of the arm bone which is in the shape of a ball is removed. This is then replaced with a metallic stem and metallic ball which goes into the socket. This metallic stem is inserted into the arm bone where it fuses with the bone over a period of time.

In cases of severe rotator cuff injury another procedure called reverse shoulder replacement is done. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place and allows you to move your arm and shoulder. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the normal ball-and-socket structure is reversed. An artificial ball is attached to the shoulder blade. An artificial socket is attached to the top of the arm bone.

Conditions in which you may need shoulder replacement surgery are - Osteoarthritis ( Degenerative Joint Disease ), Rheumatoid arthritis, Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy, Frozen Shoulder and Traumatic injury to shoulder joint. Osteoarthritis is an age-related "wear and tear" type of arthritis. It usually occurs in people 50 years of age and older, but may occur in younger people also. The cartilage that cushions the bones of the shoulder softens and wears away. The bones then rub against one another. Over a period of time the shoulder joint becomes stiff and painful.

The patients suffering with Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the synovial membrane that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed and thickened may also benefit from shoulder replacement. In this condition, the changes in the shoulder joint due to the rotator cuff tear may lead to arthritis and destruction of the joint cartilage. In cases of rotator cuff injury you might also benefit from Shoulder Arthroscopy. However it is to be noted that arthroscopy of the shoulder is a very specialized surgery and an arthroscopic surgeon with specialized training in shoulder arthroscopy should be trusted to do it.

The cost of Shoulder Replacement or Reverse Shoulder Replacement would be in the range of Rs. 1,75,000 - 3,00,000 depending on the type of hospital chosen and the type of implant. There are several types of implants available in the market. The FDA approved imported implants are costlier but have better functioning and better reliability. The hospital stay would be around 5 days and the patient will have to keep the arm in a sling for 4 weeks. The physiotherapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles would start 4 weeks after the surgery and would continue for a period of 3-4 months. Full mobility would be achieved within 6 months of the surgery. However the patient will be relieved of the consistent pain immediately after the surgery. Long term use of painkillers is bad for the kidneys and therefore getting the surgery done in order to get pain relief is a better option in the long run.

You can book appointment with Dr. Tittal by calling on the number +91-8800188335 or by filling the form . The consultation can be done by visiting the hospital or on phone by sending your reports through whatsapp on the number +91-8800188335.

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