Shoulder Replacement

An illustration of shoulder pain on a male body

Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in patients suffering from severe shoulder joint damage. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or rotator cuff injuries that severely affect shoulder movement and quality of life.

 

Shoulder replacement involves replacing the damaged components of the shoulder joint with prosthetic implants. This can be done in a few different ways, including total shoulder replacement (where both the ball and socket are replaced) or reverse shoulder replacement (which is used when the rotator cuff is severely damaged).

Who Needs Shoulder Replacement?

Candidates for shoulder replacement surgery typically experience:

  • Severe shoulder pain that interferes with daily activities, such as lifting, reaching, or sleeping.
  • Stiffness or a limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.
  • Inadequate relief from conservative treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, or injections.
  • Significant joint damage visible on X-rays or MRI.
Doctors performing surgery on Shoulder

The Procedure

The shoulder replacement procedure generally includes the following steps:

  1. Anesthesia: Patients receive either general or regional anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery.
  2. Incision: A surgical incision is made over the shoulder to access the joint.
  3. Removal of Damaged Tissue: The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the shoulder joint.
  4. Implantation: A prosthetic implant is inserted into the shoulder joint to restore function and alleviate pain.
  5. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the shoulder is bandaged.

The surgery typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours and may require a short hospital stay for recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery usually involves:

  • Physical therapy: A structured rehabilitation program begins shortly after surgery to improve strength, flexibility, and function.
  • Gradual return to activities: Many patients can begin light activities within a few weeks, with a focus on regaining range of motion.
  • Full recovery: Complete recovery can take about 3 to 6 months, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in pain and function within weeks.

About Dr. Saif Nabi Shah

I currently practice at Medanta Hospital, Lucknow, where I’m the Director of the Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics.

My expertise covers Partial and Total Knee Replacement Surgery, Hip Replacement Surgery, Revision Surgeries, as well as Spinal Decompression & Fixation. To date, I’ve performed over 1500 joint replacement surgeries and more than 5000 orthopaedic surgeries.

 

Google Reviews

Pramod YadavPramod Yadav
10:27 12 Sep 24
Dr. Saif is very kindness and having good knowledge.Thanks to Dr Saif and entire team for operating surgery my Right hand shoulder
Neeraj SinghNeeraj Singh
05:44 12 Sep 24
Experience is very much excellentDr Saif sir and his all team person work is very excellent
farhan azmifarhan azmi
10:09 06 Aug 24
ashrita lalashrita lal
11:09 01 Aug 24
Thank you so much Sir.
Shilpi guptaShilpi gupta
05:12 17 Jul 24
Dear Dr. SaifThanks for the great care after my Mother TKR surgery! Your expertise and support have made a huge difference in my Mother recovery. pain-free and regaining strength. Appreciate your guidance and would highly recommend you to others.
Faizan RizviFaizan Rizvi
05:48 01 Jun 24
Dr. Saif N Shah and his team was kind. He listened to my concerns, and I greatly appreciated him walking me through every step of my forearm surgery I received. I felt confident with his treatment plan and would highly recommend him to other patients.
Rameshwar SinghRameshwar Singh
10:28 31 May 24
Dr Saif N Shah with his team is best doctor for orthopedic surgery. I was very much worried about my daughter's surgery but Dr Saif explained in detail the surgery procedure in very polite manner . After surgery I am very satisfied. Thanks to Dr Saif and team to perform pre and Post surgery care. I also appreciate the works and care of nursing and patients support staff at medanta specially supporting staff Mrs Geeta. She is very caring. Thanks to Dr Saif and his team .
Ashish ShuklaAshish Shukla
10:39 18 May 24
Dr. Saif isn't just a great doctor, He's a great human being, consciously doesn't write unnecessary tests, even tells u not to visit unnecessarily. In this day and age coming across an individual like him is a blessing in itself, Add his medical expertise on top of it and u get a justification for why doctors are often compared with God.He handled my implant removal with utmost care and responsibility. I wish there were more doctors and in general more humans like Dr. Saif. Thank you sir !
Aradhna PrakashAradhna Prakash
06:17 02 Apr 24
Dr Saif is an excellent surgeon! The way he handles his cases is really impressive. He has a very clear line of thought. He very adeptly tackles the treatment process and understands not just the pain caused by injury but also by the surgery. Thank you Dr Saif and the whole team at Medanta Lucknow for taking such good care of me.
js_loader

Don’t let pain hold you back. 

Specialitiy

Tags

OPD Hours

Monday - Friday 9.00 - 17.00
Saturday 9.00 - 17.00

Experience

Years of Working 22+
Joint Replacement Surgeries 2000+
Othopedic Sugeries 6000+

FAQ

Yes, shoulder replacement is considered a major surgical procedure. It involves the removal of damaged bone and cartilage from the shoulder joint and the implantation of prosthetic components. While it is a routine surgery with a high success rate, it requires careful planning, anesthesia, and a significant recovery period. Patients can expect a hospital stay and a structured rehabilitation program following the surgery.

Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery typically takes about 3 to 6 months. Most patients can begin light activities within a few weeks post-surgery. Physical therapy will be initiated shortly after surgery to improve strength and mobility. While many patients notice significant improvements in pain and function within weeks, full recovery may take several months as strength and range of motion continue to improve.

While shoulder replacement can significantly alleviate pain and improve function, there are potential downsides, including:

  • Risks of complications: These can include infection, blood clots, dislocation, or nerve injury.
  • Limited range of motion: Some patients may experience stiffness or a limited range of motion post-surgery.
  • Durability of the implant: Although modern implants are designed to last many years, they may wear out over time, especially in younger, more active patients.
  • Rehabilitation requirements: Recovery involves a commitment to physical therapy and may require significant time and effort to regain strength and function.

Blog

Testimonials