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Home / Treatments / Shoulder Replacement
Relief from Severe Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
Shoulder replacement, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty, can relieve pain and restore function in advanced arthritis and complex rotator cuff problems — an area in which Dr. Saumitra Dubey has vast surgical experience.
Treatment at a Glance
Pain Relief
Improved Movement
Modern Implants
Reverse Shoulder Expertise
Guided Rehabilitation
Daily Activities Restored
What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement (shoulder arthroplasty) replaces the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder with artificial components. In a reverse shoulder replacement, the ball and socket positions are switched so the deltoid muscle can power the arm when the rotator cuff is badly damaged.
The choice of implant depends on the condition of the bone and rotator cuff, your age and activity needs.
Common Conditions
- Shoulder osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
- Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears
- Complex fractures of the upper arm
- Failed previous shoulder surgery
Symptoms
- Constant shoulder pain
- Pain at night
- Severe stiffness
- Weakness lifting the arm
- Grinding in the joint
Causes
- Wear-and-tear arthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Long-standing rotator cuff tears
- Previous fractures
- Avascular necrosis
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Previous shoulder injury or surgery
- Inflammatory joint disease
- Heavy overhead work
- Untreated rotator cuff tears
Types of Shoulder Replacement
- Total (anatomic) shoulder replacement
- Reverse shoulder arthroplasty
- Hemiarthroplasty (selected cases)
- Revision shoulder replacement
Diagnosis
- Detailed history and physical examination
- X-ray of the affected joint
- MRI or CT scan when needed
- Assessment of severity and function
When to Consult a Doctor?
- Shoulder pain affecting sleep
- Difficulty dressing or combing hair
- Pain not controlled with medicines
- Weak or stiff shoulder
When is Treatment Needed?
- Advanced arthritis on X-ray
- Failed non-surgical treatment
- Irreparable rotator cuff with arthritis
- Complex fracture not suitable for fixation
Seek urgent medical care for a severe injury, deformity, a hot red swollen joint with fever, sudden inability to bear weight or use the limb, or numbness and loss of circulation.
Treatment Options Overview
A complete range of options based on your condition, age, activity level and goals.
Activity & Exercise
Strengthening and activity modification
Medication & Injections
Pain relief discussed with your doctor
Physiotherapy
A plan matched to your symptoms
Surgery
When other options are not enough
Non-Surgical Treatment
- Pain relief medicines
- Physiotherapy to maintain movement
- Injections in selected cases
- Activity modification
- Heat and gentle exercises
When is Surgery Recommended?
- Severe pain despite treatment
- Major loss of function
- Advanced arthritis
- Cuff tear arthropathy
Surgical Techniques
Total Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Fracture Arthroplasty
Revision Surgery
The Procedure
General anaesthesia with nerve block
Damaged joint surfaces are removed
Implant components are positioned
Wound closed; arm placed in a sling
Planning & Technology
- CT-based planning where needed
- Choice of anatomic or reverse implants
- Careful soft-tissue balancing
- Structured shoulder rehabilitation
Potential Benefits
- Significant pain relief
- Improved ability to lift the arm
- Better sleep
- Return to daily activities
Risks & Limitations
- Infection or dislocation
- Stiffness or weakness
- Nerve injury (rare)
- Implant loosening over time
Preparation
- Medical evaluation and investigations
- Blood tests and imaging
- Medication review
- Home and support planning
- Pre-operative instructions
Recovery is a Process
Progress varies with health, procedure, rehabilitation and individual healing. Your care team will give you a personalised plan.
Hospital Stay
- Usually a few days in hospital
- Pain control with nerve block
- Sling for protection
- Early guided exercises
Recovery Timeline
- Sling for several weeks
- Passive then active movement
- Strengthening over months
- Steady improvement for up to a year
Post-Treatment Care
- Physiotherapy and home exercises
- Regular follow-up visits
- Wound care as advised
- Report concerning symptoms promptly
Return to Work & Activity
- Light daily activities in weeks
- Driving after clearance
- Heavy lifting is limited
- Low-impact hobbies encouraged
Cost of Shoulder Replacement
- Cost depends on the procedure, implant (if any) and hospital
- Room category, investigations and length of stay affect the total
- Surgeon, anaesthesia, medicines and rehabilitation are included in estimates
- Request an itemised estimate before making a decision
Insurance & Cashless Facility
- Coverage depends on your policy, insurer or TPA and hospital network
- Cashless approval is subject to insurer rules and pre-authorisation
- Assistance with required documentation
- Confirm eligibility and out-of-pocket costs with your insurer
Dr. Saumitra Dubey
MBBS, D.Ortho and DNB (Orthopaedics), trained at high-volume centres in India with fellowships in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine and in Complex Trauma & Revision Surgery. Special interest in shoulder and knee surgery, including reverse shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability and multi-ligament knee injuries.
- MBBS | D.Ortho | DNB (Orthopaedics) | FICT | FIASM
- Specialist in Knee & Shoulder
- Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty & Complex Trauma
- Personalised Treatment Plans
10+
Years in Medicine
2
Specialist Fellowships
Best Paper
Award, POSAC 2022
Shalby Hospital
Consultant, Indore
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shoulder replacement.
What is reverse shoulder replacement?
It is a type of shoulder replacement where the ball and socket are switched, allowing the deltoid muscle to lift the arm when the rotator cuff is not working.
Will I be able to lift my arm above my head?
Many patients regain useful overhead movement, but the range achieved depends on the implant, muscles and rehabilitation.
How long does a shoulder replacement last?
Longevity depends on the implant, activity level and health. No specific lifespan can be guaranteed for an individual.
Is physiotherapy needed after surgery?
Yes. A structured rehabilitation programme is essential to regain movement and strength.
Book an Appointment
Take the first step towards a pain-free and active life. Share your details and our team will call you to confirm your visit.
- +91 99267 32322
- Mon - Sat: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM