Reverse and Total Shoulder Replacement in Surat
Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, assesses patients in Surat for reverse shoulder replacement or anatomic (total) shoulder replacement when severe arthritis, a long-standing rotator cuff problem or a fracture has stopped the shoulder from working and treatment without surgery has not helped. Many painful shoulders do not need replacement, so assessment comes first.
When is shoulder replacement considered?
Shoulder replacement is considered when pain and stiffness limit daily life and sleep, X-rays show serious joint damage and non-surgical care has not given enough relief. Common reasons include:
- Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint.
- Rotator cuff arthropathy: arthritis that develops after a large, long-standing cuff tear.
- Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Avascular necrosis of the head of the upper arm bone.
- Severe fractures of the upper arm bone, or their after-effects.
Many shoulder problems are managed differently. Frozen shoulder is usually treated without replacement (see also shoulder hydrodilatation), a repairable cuff tear may be treated by cuff repair, and impingement has its own page. Physiotherapy, activity changes and pain medicines are tried first where appropriate.
Anatomic versus reverse shoulder replacement
Total shoulder replacement
The damaged ball of the upper arm bone is replaced by a metal head on a stem, and the socket on the shoulder blade is resurfaced with plastic. It relies on a rotator cuff that still works, so it suits arthritis with a healthy cuff.
Reverse shoulder replacement
The ball and socket are switched: the ball is fixed to the shoulder blade and the socket sits on the arm bone. The deltoid muscle then lifts the arm, which helps when the rotator cuff no longer works. It is used for cuff arthropathy, some fractures and some failed earlier replacements.
Dr. Aman Khanna does both anatomic (total) and reverse shoulder replacement, and the choice between them is made after assessment. Replacing only the ball (hemiarthroplasty) is sometimes used, mostly for selected fractures. The choice depends on cuff function, socket bone, age and the reason for surgery, and is made after examination, X-rays and often a CT or MRI scan.
How is shoulder replacement done?
The operation is done under general anaesthesia with a nerve block for pain relief. An incision is made at the front of the shoulder, the damaged joint surfaces are removed, the bones are prepared and the implants are fixed, with cement or without, depending on bone quality.
Patients usually stay in hospital for about 3 to 5 days.
How should I prepare for shoulder replacement?
An anaesthetic fitness check, blood tests and control of diabetes or blood pressure are done first. Any skin, tooth or urine infection is treated before surgery, and stopping smoking helps healing. Plan help at home, because the operated arm will be in a sling and you will need support with dressing, bathing and cooking for a while.
What does recovery after shoulder replacement involve?
The arm is usually rested in a sling for about six weeks, and physiotherapy begins with gentle movements guided by the therapist before active movement and strengthening are added.
Pain usually eases over the first weeks, and function keeps improving for several months. Everyday tasks such as eating, dressing and reaching in front of you are the main aims. Heavy lifting and some overhead activities may stay limited, especially after a reverse replacement. Driving and return to desk work are usually allowed at about 8 to 12 weeks, and heavy or overhead work is usually possible after about 4 to 6 months, decided individually.
What are the risks of shoulder replacement?
General risks include infection, stiffness, blood clots, nerve injury, fracture of the bone during or after surgery, loosening or wear of the implant, and dislocation of the joint. A reverse replacement can also cause bone wearing on the shoulder blade next to the socket, and, rarely, a stress fracture of the shoulder blade or the bony tip of the shoulder. An implant may need revision in the future. How these apply to you depends on your age, health, bone quality and activity.
About the surgeon
Dr. Aman Khanna's training is listed on the About page: M.S. in Orthopaedics, a sports medicine, hip and knee fellowship in Lyon, France (2021) and the IOA Clinical Fellowship in Arthroscopy (2024).
When should I see a doctor about my shoulder?
See an orthopaedic surgeon if shoulder pain wakes you at night, if you cannot lift the arm despite treatment, if daily tasks have become difficult, or if there has been a fall with sudden loss of movement. Fever, redness and heat in the shoulder after any shoulder operation need prompt attention.
Where to consult in Surat
Mahavir Hospital — Athwa
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment
Reception: +91 261 2461093 (shared OPD reception)
Shoulder X-rays or MRI can be sent on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922 when you book.
Shoulder replacement: common questions
What is reverse shoulder replacement?
In a reverse shoulder replacement the ball and socket of the joint are switched, so the deltoid muscle can lift the arm even when the rotator cuff is not working. It is used mainly for cuff arthropathy, some fractures and some failed earlier replacements.
Who needs reverse replacement instead of an anatomic one?
Reverse replacement is generally chosen when the rotator cuff is torn beyond repair or no longer works, while anatomic replacement suits arthritis with a healthy cuff. Your surgeon decides after examination and imaging.
Is shoulder replacement the only option for a painful arthritic shoulder?
No. Physiotherapy, activity changes and pain medicines are tried first, and a few selected patients are helped by arthroscopic procedures. Replacement is considered when joint damage is advanced and other care has not given enough relief.
How long will I stay in hospital and wear a sling?
Patients usually stay about 3 to 5 days in hospital and wear the sling for about six weeks. The exact plan depends on the type of replacement and your bone and tissue quality.
When can I drive or go back to work after shoulder replacement?
Driving and light desk work are usually allowed at about 8 to 12 weeks after shoulder replacement. Heavy or overhead work is usually possible after about 4 to 6 months, and Dr. Aman Khanna advises on each at follow-up visits, depending on the side operated, the type of replacement and your job.
How long does a shoulder replacement last?
Many shoulder replacements work well for many years, but no fixed duration can be given. It depends on age, activity, bone quality and the implant, and regular follow-up lets wear or loosening be found early.
What are the main risks of shoulder replacement?
The main risks are infection, stiffness, dislocation, loosening, nerve injury, fracture and blood clots. A reverse replacement can also wear the bone of the shoulder blade next to the socket, and how these risks apply to you depends on your health and bone quality.
Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for shoulder replacement in Surat?
At Mahavir Health Campus, Athwa Gate, by appointment. Book via WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922.
Related pages
Shoulder Surgery and Rotator Cuff Repair
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery and cuff repair when the cuff can be repaired.
Rotator cuff ShoulderFrozen Shoulder Treatment in Surat
Why a stiff, painful shoulder is usually treated without replacement.
Frozen shoulder ShoulderShoulder Hydrodilatation
A non-operative treatment option for frozen shoulder.
Hydrodilatation BlogShoulder dislocation and Bankart repair
When a dislocated shoulder needs repair.
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