Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement replaces a damaged shoulder joint with artificial parts to relieve pain from arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy or severe fractures.
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Free, no-obligation quote, usually within 24 hours
About this Procedure
Shoulder replacement (shoulder arthroplasty) is surgery in which the damaged parts of the shoulder's ball-and-socket joint are removed and replaced with artificial components, called a prosthesis. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describes it as very effective at relieving shoulder pain. Types include standard total shoulder replacement, reverse total shoulder replacement and partial replacement of the ball only (hemiarthroplasty).
It may be recommended for severe shoulder pain that interferes with everyday activities such as dressing and washing, pain at rest that disturbs sleep, loss of movement and weakness, when medicines, injections and physiotherapy have not helped. Common causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis after an injury, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis and severe fractures of the upper arm bone.
The procedure usually takes about 2 hours and is performed under anaesthesia. Afterwards you either go home the same day or stay overnight, and most people admitted to hospital go home the day after surgery. Your arm is supported in a sling for the first 2 to 6 weeks, and a guided exercise programme is important for recovery. The AAOS notes that most patients can manage eating, dressing and grooming within 2 weeks.
Medwell arranges shoulder replacement at partner hospitals in Delhi NCR, including BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, Paras Health, Gurugram and Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram. Your orthopaedic surgeon confirms which type of replacement suits you after reviewing your X-rays and scans.
Why travel for this procedure?
- Accredited partner hospitals
Shoulder replacement is available at Medwell partners such as BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram and Paras Health, Gurugram. - Shoulder specialists
Orthopaedic surgeons at partner hospitals review your X-rays and scans to plan whether a total, reverse or partial replacement suits you. - Shorter waiting times
Planned treatment can usually be scheduled without the long waiting lists patients face in some countries. - English-speaking teams
Doctors, nurses and coordinators consult in English, and Medwell can arrange an interpreter on request. - Medwell coordination
One team handles your free quote, visa invitation letter, hotel near the hospital and airport pickup.
Share your reports and get a free quote
Send Medwell your shoulder X-rays, any CT or MRI scans and details of previous treatment. A partner orthopaedic surgeon reviews them and you receive a free personalised quote.
Travel to Delhi NCR and pre-treatment evaluation
In Delhi NCR you meet the surgeon for an examination and pre-operative tests, and the type of shoulder replacement is confirmed with you.
Shoulder replacement, recovery and follow-up
After surgery you start a guided exercise programme with your arm in a sling. Medwell helps you plan a stay near the hospital for physiotherapy and follow-up before you fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery removes the damaged surfaces of the shoulder joint and replaces them with artificial parts, usually a metal ball and a plastic socket. In a reverse shoulder replacement the positions of the ball and socket are swapped. The aim is to relieve pain and improve movement when the joint is badly damaged.
Who needs a shoulder replacement?
A shoulder replacement may be recommended for people with severe shoulder pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis after an injury, a large long-standing rotator cuff tear, avascular necrosis or a severe fracture, when other treatments have not helped. Your orthopaedic surgeon confirms suitability and the type of implant after reviewing your reports.
How much does shoulder replacement cost in India?
The cost of shoulder replacement in India depends on the hospital, the type of replacement and implant, and the plan your specialist recommends after reviewing your reports, so Medwell does not publish a fixed price. Share your reports and Medwell will send a free, no-obligation personalised quote from partner hospitals such as BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi and Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, usually within 24 hours.
How long is recovery after shoulder replacement?
According to the AAOS, shoulder replacement usually takes about 2 hours, and you either go home the same day or stay one night. Your arm stays in a sling for 2 to 6 weeks, most people manage eating, dressing and grooming within 2 weeks, and driving is usually avoided for 2 to 6 weeks. Your surgeon will guide your exercise programme.
Is shoulder replacement surgery safe?
Shoulder replacement is an established operation that the AAOS describes as very effective at relieving pain. As with any joint replacement, possible complications include infection, problems with the anaesthetic, nerve injury, and loosening or dislocation of the implant over time. Your surgeon will explain how these risks apply to you before surgery.
Which hospitals in Delhi NCR offer shoulder replacement?
Medwell arranges shoulder replacement at 6 partner hospitals across Delhi NCR (Gurugram, New Delhi and Noida):
- BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
- Paras Health, Gurugram
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram
- Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
- Fortis Hospital, Noida
Medwell helps you choose between them based on your case and travel plans.
How do I plan shoulder replacement in India with Medwell?
Share your shoulder X-rays and scans with Medwell for a free, no-obligation personalised quote, usually within 24 hours. Medwell helps you choose a hospital and orthopaedic surgeon, books your consultation, provides visa invitation letter assistance and helps arrange flights, a hotel near the hospital and airport pickup. Allow time for early physiotherapy and a follow-up check before flying home.