Doctors for Shoulder Replacement in Delhi

Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure that is recommended by orthopedic surgeons to restore the normal function of a damaged shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a complicated mechanism made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that cooperate to give the shoulder joint its entire range of motion. Shoulder replacement is typically recommended when the shoulder joint has sustained severe damage due to various reasons such as joint arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, accidental injury, chronic pain in the shoulder joint, or sports injury. These conditions can cause significant discomfort and may limit the ability to move the shoulder, resulting in a loss of function and decreased quality of life. The purpose of shoulder replacement surgery is to reduce discomfort, increase range of motion, and regain shoulder joint functionality.

Surgery to replace the shoulder joint's damaged pieces with prosthetic ones is known as shoulder replacement operation. Depending on the severity of the joint damage and the specific requirements of the patient, several shoulder replacement procedures may be advised. Let's examine the various shoulder replacement procedures in more detail;

• Total Shoulder Replacement: The most frequent procedure for replacing the shoulder is a total replacement. The shoulder joint's ball and socket are both replaced during this treatment with prosthetic parts. The artificial parts, which are commonly constructed of metal or plastic, are intended to replicate the shoulder joint's organic movements. Patients with severe joint arthritis, rotator cuff rupture arthropathy, or persistent discomfort and disability in the shoulder joint are frequently advised to have a total shoulder replacement. The procedure can significantly improve shoulder function and alleviate pain, allowing patients to return to their daily activities.
• Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: Patients with significant rotator cuff injuries or cuff tear arthropathy are advised to undergo reverse complete shoulder replacement, a specialized form of shoulder replacement surgery. This treatment includes flipping the shoulder joint's ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to take over the role of the rotator cuff. Reverse total shoulder replacement can help restore mobility and alleviate pain in patients with severe rotator cuff damage. However, this procedure is not recommended for all patients, and a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if it is the right option.
• Partial Shoulder Replacement: Hemiarthroplasty, another name for partial shoulder replacement, is a technique for replacing only the damaged parts of the shoulder joint. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with a specific type of shoulder fracture or those with early-stage arthritis in the shoulder joint. Partial shoulder replacement can help restore function and alleviate pain in patients with specific types of shoulder damage. However, patients with severe joint injury or rotator cuff impairment should not undergo this operation.
• Shoulder Resurfacing: Shoulder resurfacing is a relatively new type of shoulder replacement surgery that involves reshaping the surface of the ball and socket of the shoulder joint without completely replacing them. Younger patients with early-stage shoulder arthritis are often candidates for this surgery. Shoulder resurfacing can help preserve bone and tissue in the shoulder joint while improving function and reducing pain. However, individuals with serious joint injury or those who are pregnant are not advised to have this operation.

Before undergoing shoulder replacement surgery in Delhi, India, a thorough diagnostic evaluation is necessary to determine the root cause of the shoulder joint damage and to assess the patient's overall health. The orthopedic surgeon will conduct a series of tests to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best-suited technique for the patient's individual needs;

• Physical Examination: During the physical examination, the orthopedic surgeon will carefully assess the affected shoulder joint for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. The doctor may ask about the patient's symptoms, including the intensity of the pain while applying slight pressure with the fingertips on the affected area.
• Diagnostic Tests: To detect the root cause of the shoulder joint damage and determine the best-suited technique for shoulder replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend the following diagnostic tests:
1. 2.A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the shoulder joint's soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This test helps the orthopedic surgeon to identify the extent of the damage to the soft tissues and to determine if there is any other underlying condition that may be contributing to the joint damage.
2. 2.B. X-ray: X-rays are a standard diagnostic tool for assessing the structure and condition of bones. An x-ray of the shoulder joint can reveal the extent of joint damage, such as arthritis or a fracture, and help the orthopedic surgeon to determine the best-suited technique for shoulder replacement surgery.
3. 2.C. Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure called electromyography (EMG) evaluates the condition of the muscles and nerves that manage muscle action. This test can assist the orthopedic surgeon in figuring out whether the patient's shoulder joint dysfunction may be caused by nerve injury or muscle weakness.

Surgery to replace the diseased or injured shoulder joint with an artificial joint is known as shoulder replacement surgery. This procedure aims to restore the normal function of the shoulder joint and alleviate the patient's pain and discomfort. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the duration of the surgery may vary depending on the type of implant used and the severity of the condition. Typically, the surgery may take 1-2 hours, but this is an approximate duration and may differ depending on the type of implant used and the severity of the condition. The shoulder replacement surgery involves several steps, from preparing the patient for surgery to post-operative care and recovery. Let's take a closer look at each of these steps in detail;

• Preparation for Surgery: Before the surgery, the patient will be given general anesthesia to ensure that they remain unconscious throughout the procedure. The patient will be positioned on their back, and the affected arm will be placed in a sterile sleeve to maintain aseptic conditions. After that, the surgeon will make a cut near the shoulder to access the injured joint.
• Removing the Damaged Joint: The surgeon will remove the damaged part of the shoulder joint, including the cartilage and the bone, as required by the type of surgery. In partial shoulder replacement surgery, only the socket is replaced, while in total shoulder replacement surgery, the entire joint is replaced with an artificial implant. In reverse shoulder arthroplasty, the positions of the ball and socket joint are reversed, which requires a different surgical approach.
• Implanting the Artificial Joint: Once the damaged joint is removed, the surgeon will implant the artificial joint. The implant will consist of a metal stem, a ball, and a socket, which will mimic the natural structure of the shoulder joint. The surgeon will carefully place the implant to ensure a proper fit and restore the normal function of the shoulder joint.
• Closing the Incision: The surgeon will use stitches or staples to close the incision once the implant has been placed. To stop infection and hasten healing, a sterile dressing will be put on the wound. The patient's arm will be immobilized in a sling to prevent any strain on the newly implanted joint.
• Recovery and Discharge: The patient will be monitored for a few hours after the surgery before being shifted to a hospital room. The length of the patient's hospital stay could range from two to three days, depending on how serious their ailment is. The patient will be advised to follow a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the shoulder joint.

Surgery to replace the patient's shoulder is quite effective at reducing pain, restoring shoulder function, and enhancing quality of life. Here are some of the benefits of shoulder replacement surgery in Delhi;

• Pain Relief: The primary benefit of shoulder replacement surgery is the relief of chronic shoulder pain, which can be debilitating and affect the patient's daily activities. With shoulder replacement surgery, patients can experience a significant reduction in pain, which can improve their quality of life.
• Improved Shoulder Function: Shoulder replacement surgery can help restore the normal range of motion and function of the shoulder joint, allowing patients to perform daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
• Increased Mobility: Shoulder replacement surgery can also help increase mobility in the shoulder joint, allowing patients to perform a wider range of activities and exercises that were previously difficult or impossible.
• Better Sleep: Chronic shoulder pain can significantly disrupt a patient's sleep, leading to fatigue and other health problems. With shoulder replacement surgery, patients can experience improved sleep quality, which can have a positive impact on their overall health.
• Long-Term Benefits: Shoulder replacement surgery is a long-term solution for shoulder problems, and patients can expect to experience benefits for many years after the surgery.
• Improved Quality of Life: By reducing pain, increasing function and mobility, and improving sleep quality, shoulder replacement surgery can help patients achieve a better quality of life, allowing them to enjoy their daily activities and live life to the fullest.

Surgery to replace a shoulder is typically regarded as secure and successful. Patients should be aware of any potential side effects, though, as with any surgical operation. Following are a few typical shoulder replacement surgery side-effects;

• Pain and discomfort
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• Instability or dislocation of the shoulder joint
• Loosening or wearing out of the artificial joint over time

It's crucial to keep in mind that not every patient may have these side effects, and their severity can change. Prior to the operation, the orthopedic surgeon will go over the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure with the patient. In addition, adhering to post-operative care instructions and showing up at all scheduled follow-up sessions helps reduce the chance of side effects and guarantee a full recovery.

After shoulder replacement surgery, the patient will need to follow a specific recovery plan to promote healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and restore range of motion. Here are some general guidelines for recovering after shoulder replacement surgery;

• Pain management: The patient may experience pain and discomfort after the surgery. To help manage discomfort during the healing process, the orthopedic surgeon may prescribe painkillers.
• Physical therapy: To assist the patient restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the injured shoulder joint, the orthopedic surgeon will advise physical therapy exercises.
• Take medications as prescribed: The orthopedic surgeon may prescribe painkillers, antibiotics, or other medication post-surgery. Take the medication on time as per the doctor's instructions.
• Avoid driving: Do not drive for at least a month or as advised by your orthopedic surgeon. Activities that require excessive movement or shoulder strain must be avoided.
• Sleep on the non-surgical side: Do not sleep on the side of the surgical site to avoid any discomfort or pain.
• Rest and rehabilitation: In order to prevent further shoulder joint damage, the patient will need to take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities for a while. However, it's important to continue with rehabilitation exercises as recommended by the orthopedic surgeon to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
• Follow-up appointments: Follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon are required for the patient in order to track their recovery and make any necessary changes to their treatment plan.
• Lifestyle modifications: The orthopedic surgeon may recommend lifestyle modifications such as avoiding lifting heavy objects or participating in high-impact activities to prevent strain on the shoulder joint.
• Healthy habits: Adopting healthy routines like eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep might enhance the recovery process.

Consult your doctor if you feel any odd signs: If you notice any irregular signs post-surgery, such as fever, excessive pain, swelling, or any other discomfort, consult your doctor immediately. It's important to follow the orthopedic surgeon's instructions closely during the recovery period to ensure optimal healing and a successful outcome.