Introduction
Shoulder surgery is often considered when other treatment options for shoulder pain and dysfunction fail. However, finding an affordable option for shoulder replacement surgery can be tough.
Here’s your chance!
India offers affordable options for shoulder replacement surgery for patients seeking quality care at the lowest cost. India offers highly skilled orthopedics and joint replacement surgeons, internationally accredited hospitals, and world-class facilities, which make India a preferred destination for treatment.
This guide will help you get complete insights about the cost estimates, factors, and other information as well.
What is Shoulder Replacement?
It's a joint replacement (arthroplasty) for your shoulder, which is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty. Under the procedure, your surgeon will replace the bones and connective tissue in your natural shoulder joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). However, prosthetic shoulders are made of metal and plastic.
Key Highlights
According to recent data, around
5,460 shoulder replacement surgeries
were performed in India, which involved the replacement of damaged or diseased parts of the shoulder joint with a prosthesis.
Did you know?
For the first time in its history, King George’s Medical University has performed
India’s first full shoulder replacement surgery
on a 51-year-old woman.
Why is Shoulder Replacement Surgery Performed?
You will be recommended for shoulder replacement surgery if you have severe pain in your shoulder area that limits your ability to move your arm. However, here are some conditions that may lead you to shoulder replacement:
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Rotator cuff injuries
-
Fractures
-
Rheumatoid arthritis and any other inflammatory conditions
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Osteonecrosis
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Failed results from the previous surgery
-
Tumor in and around the shoulder
-
A broken arm bone near your shoulder
-
Severely damaged or torn tissues in the shoulder
• Several indications for shoulder replacement surgery:
Your doctor will recommend that you take medications and do some physical therapy to reduce pain, but if your pain persists and limits your ability to move your arm, then you will be recommended for surgery. Moreover, the doctor will advise you of surgery if you have the following symptoms:
-
Severe pain that triggers your ability to do regular activities.
-
Limit motion in your shoulder.
-
Weakness in the shoulder
-
Severe pain and problems even after taking medications or doing therapy.
• Other contraindications for shoulder replacement surgery:
Your doctor will recommend shoulder replacement surgery if you have the following issues:
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History of infection that spreads to the replaced joint.
-
Severe mental illness
-
Unhealthy skin around the surgical area.
-
Weak muscles around the shoulder that can’t be fixed with surgery.
Types of Shoulder Replacement
There are various types of shoulder replacement surgery, which include:
-
Total shoulder replacement surgery
It involves replacing the entire ball and the socket with implants; however, it can be cemented or uncemented into the area. When it’s uncemented, it is expected that the bones will grow into the implants during recovery time, but if the bone is too soft, then the implant will be cemented into the bone.
-
Partial shoulder replacement surgery
It is also known as stem hemiarthroplasty, which is preferred in cases where the humeral head is severely fractured or the rotator cuff is torn.
-
Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty
It involved resurfacing just the head of the humerus without the site, yet in other words, the doctor inserts just a cap-like implant in the humerus. Additionally, it is recommended only if there is no damage to the humerus or the cartilage.
-
Reverse total shoulder replacement.
It is recommended for patients whose rotator cuff is completely torn and for whom a replacement surgery has failed.
Common Types of Shoulder Injuries
Here are some reasons why you may experience a shoulder injury and some of the common conditions mentioned below:
It occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage, which results in worn-out cartilage, which is a bone that rubs against another other and causes extreme pain. However, it’s a degenerative bone disease that affects people over 50 years of age, and it has no cure.
Yet, it can affect younger people as well, especially those with extremely active shoulders.
It's a joint inflammation that is caused by an overactive immune system that affects many joints throughout the body at the same time, but could involve just one joint. However, inflammatory forms of arthritis are much less common than osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis that generally starts earlier in life.
It can occur in three different places collar bone, the shoulder blade, and the humerus. However, the first two can be treated non-surgically and do not require any replacement surgery, but in case of a severe humerus fracture, shoulder replacement becomes mandatory.
When is Shoulder Replacement Needed?
Your healthcare provider will recommend surgery if non-surgical options don’t help with symptoms such as:
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Stiffness
-
Severe shoulder pain
-
Trouble moving your shoulder.
-
Swelling.
However, you may also recommend surgery if you are suffering from shoulder arthritis, usually osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Breakdown of Shoulder Replacement Cost in India
The cost of shoulder replacement in India is affordable for patients worldwide, which includes surgeon fees, diagnostics, and other expenses as well. Here is a cost breakdown of shoulder replacement:
|
Cost Component
|
Details
|
Estimated Cost in USD
|
|
Pre-operative Consultation & Diagnosis
|
Consultations, scans, blood tests, X-rays, MRI, and so on
|
350 USD
|
|
Surgery Costs
|
Includes surgeon fees, type of surgery, and hospital stay
|
8500 USD
|
|
Rehabilitation and Follow-up
|
Physiotherapy sessions, medications, supportive devices, and follow-up visits
|
Variable for procedure
|
Note
: The accurate cost of shoulder replacement will be provided after diagnosing your condition so that you can make your decision.
Shoulder Replacement Cost Comparison India vs Other Countries
Here is an overview of shoulder replacement cost in India vs other countries:
|
Country
|
Shoulder Replacement Cost Structure
|
|
India
|
8500 USD
|
|
United States
|
14000-19000 USD
|
|
Germany
|
13000-26000 USD
|
|
Turkey
|
9000-12000 USD
|
Factors Affecting Shoulder Replacement Cost in India
Some reasons might affect the shoulder replacement cost in India surgery which including:
Consultation fees of the doctor can affect the Shoulder Replacement cost because the doctor might charge higher fees due to his or her experience and qualifications. However, it is mandatory to choose board-certified doctors with hands-on surgery experience.
Before surgery, you may undergo several diagnostic tests like chest X-rays, blood tests, EKG, etc, which might affect the overall cost of the surgery.
The type of surgery recommended can affect the treatment cost, as there are various types, which include total shoulder replacement, partial shoulder replacement, and reverse total shoulder replacement, each with different costs.
Age can also affect the cost of the treatment because the more the age of the patient, the higher the cost of shoulder replacement will be.
The type of hospital you choose will determine the overall cost of the surgery, which includes admission charges, facilities, room rent, pre-surgery medicines costs, anesthesia costs, OT costs, etc.
The Shoulder Replacement Surgery Procedure
Before Surgery
Before surgery, your healthcare provider will help you get ready for surgery, and you may undergo several tests, including:
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Physical exam
-
Shoulder X-rays
-
CT and MRI
-
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
-
Blood tests
You will get a list of instructions on what type of medications you need to take and what to avoid.
During Surgery
-
Before the surgery begins, you will get anesthesia to numb the surgical site so that you do not feel pain during surgery.
-
Now, the surgeon will cut the skin around your shoulder.
-
Then, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage from your shoulder joint.
-
After this, the surgeon will install the prosthetic shoulder.
-
Last, the surgeon will align your arm and shoulder, stitch the incision site, and close it.
After Surgery
-
After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room, where your vital signs will be monitored.
-
However, some replacement procedures are outpatient procedures, and you can go home the same day, yet surgery may be inpatient, where you need to stay in the hospital for two days or more.
Best Doctors for Shoulder Replacement in India
Best Hospital for Shoulder Replacement in India
Why Choose India for Shoulder Replacement?
-
India is increasingly recognized as a leading destination for shoulder replacement by offering advanced medical technologies, expert surgeons, and affordable care.
-
Indian hospitals offer advanced facilities, including robotic-assisted surgery, arthroscopy, and 3D imaging techniques, which enhance the precision and success of complex shoulder surgeries.
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With the high success rate of shoulder surgeries, like rotator cuff repairs and shoulder replacements, it is increasing up to 98%, which makes India’s outcome competitive with global standards.
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Many Indian hospitals are accredited by international organizations like JCI and NABH, which ensure adherence to high-quality care and safety protocols.
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Indian surgeons are trained in prestigious international and national institutions, which bring extensive expertise to the field of orthopedics. Additionally, their proficiency in minimally invasive techniques contributes to faster recovery and also reduces post-operative pain.
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The major factor is the cost of shoulder replacement in India, which is affordable for every international patient as compared to other Western countries.
Why Choose RIHLATMED for Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India?
• Team of Top Orthopedic Surgeons
We help you connect with highly experienced and well-known surgeons who are dedicated to performing various ortho procedures, including shoulder replacement surgery.
• JCI/NABH Accredited Hospitals
We are associated with top hospitals that utilize advanced facilities, the latest technologies, and comprehensive diagnostic tools to ensure personalized care.
• Other Benefits
We provide detailed responses, accurate cost information, assistance with visa applications, and accommodation in India. Additionally, we help you schedule appointments with India's top doctors.
Conclusion
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure, which is also known as total shoulder arthroplasty, in which a torn or damaged shoulder is replaced with an artificial one (prosthesis). However, you may undergo several tests that help the doctor understand your condition and decide whether you need surgery or not. Many patients have said they feel relieved of pain, and it has improved their mobility, but it depends.
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for general purposes, and it does not provide an exact cost estimate, so if you are considering getting an exact cost estimate and information about the treatment, then we can help you with that. Contact
RIHLATMED
now. First
