How Much Does Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost?

“The average cost of Shoulder Replacement surgery in India starts from $6500 and $23,000 in UAE. The cost can be less or more depending on several factors including your medical condition, experience of the surgeon and the type of hospital you choose.

  • The shoulder is a socket-and-ball joint. The damaged ends of the humerus, which is the upper arm bone, as well as the scapula, which is often the shoulder bone, are replaced during shoulder replacement surgery and covered with artificial surfaces.
  • Although far less common than hip or knee replacement, it is a beneficial method for treating joint discomfort.
    An incision must be made across the front of the shoulder and upper arm when doing open surgery for a total shoulder replacement.
  • One of the most popular and commonly suggested shoulder procedures is a minimally invasive shoulder arthroscopy procedure, which is frequently recommended in various situations.
  • During a shoulder replacement, deteriorated portions of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial parts known as prostheses in an effort to remove the cause of pain and dysfunction.
  • Osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, avascular necrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis are the conditions most frequently causing shoulder replacement surgery.
  • The discomfort will be reduced, the strength will be enhanced, the range of motion will be expanded, and individuals will be able to use their shoulders and arms.

Causes of Shoulder Replacement

  • Osteoarthritis– Age-related “wear and tear” arthritis called osteoarthritis. The cartilage that protects the ends of these bones wears away with age, which can result in the rubbing of one bone against another and the development of painful bone spurs. It typically affects persons 50 years of age and older.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis– causes the connective tissue to thicken and inflame, damaging the cartilage and eventually causing bone loss, discomfort, and stiffness.
  • Post-traumatic Arthritis– following a serious shoulder injury.
  • Arthropathy from a torn rotator cuff
  • Avascular Necrosis– occurs when the bone’s blood supply is cut off.
  • Serious Shoulder Fractures– Shoulder replacements are very frequently performed due to severe shoulder fractures.
  • Failure of an earlier shoulder replacement procedure.

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Shoulder Replacement Symptoms

The most frequent cause of this procedure is shoulder pain from arthritis that is resistant to non-surgical treatment. Pain is typically accompanied by a dragging sensation in the shoulder and gradual stiffness.

This symptom shows that the cartilage between the ball and socket bones is worn out, causing the bones to rub against one another. Patients usually complain about-

  • Shoulder aches
  • Creaks
  • Motion loss

These symptoms should not be ignored and referring a doctor earlier is always a step closer to an effective treatment.

Shoulder Replacement Methods

Broadly, shoulder replacements may be of 3types:

Total Shoulder Replacement: The most common total shoulder replacement includes employing a metal ball attached to a stem and a plastic socket to replace the arthritic joint surfaces.

Partial shoulder replacement: Replacement of only one ball on a partial shoulder.

Reverse total shoulder replacement: The metallic ball and socket are switched out during this treatment. In cases of ruptured rotator cuffs and extreme arm fatigue, a prior shoulder replacement that failed can be useful.

On the basis of methods or the procedure to replace the shoulder, the replacements may be categorized as:

  • Hemiarthroplasty: Only the ball and stem are changed during this treatment. The natural socket and the stem that is attached to the ball are articulated.
  • Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty: This procedure includes removing the humeral head’s joint surface and replacing it with a prosthesis that resembles a cap without a stem.
  • Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement: A highly polished metal ball attached to a stem on the humeral side and a plastic cup on the glenoid socket replace the arthritic joint.
  • Stemless Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: This type of total shoulder arthroplasty preserves bone by attaching the metal ball to the upper arm without using a stem.
  • Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement: In a reverse total shoulder replacement, the joint is physically turned around, with the metal ball going in the place of the glenoid socket and the plastic cup being relocated to the humerus, the upper arm bone.

Cost of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

  • In most cases, the price of a shoulder replacement depends on the facility and the location of the patient. It is a complicated procedure, and the location of the hospital has a significant impact on how well it goes.
  • Therefore, the facility should meet worldwide standards while still being reasonably priced so that individuals who cannot afford to travel to the most affluent countries can still receive the same level of medical care.
  • Depending on the severity of the situation, the problems associated, with the patient’s age, and other considerations, the price of a shoulder replacement may vary.
  • The cost of Shoulder Replacement in developing nations like India is around $6,500 and in UAE it is around $23,000.
  • The Replacement cost, however, in nations like the US and the UK is around $20,814 to $34,917 and £13,050/$ 15,923 respectively.

Cost-Affecting Factors for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

The total cost of shoulder replacement surgery may also be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

  • X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests (sometimes) are tests required to determine the state of the bone.
  • The doctor’s knowledge and expertise in the area.
  • Situation with the patient: The illness of the patient and whether other modalities are necessary for effective treatment.
  • The cost of shoulder replacement surgery is determined by the treatment plans and the preferences of the facility.
  • Hospitalization and travel time in the nation.
  • Post-operative care is required and the corresponding cost.
  • Categorization of a hospital room.

Procedure

Before the Procedure

  • The orthopedic surgeon will evaluate and look at the benefits and drawbacks of replacing the shoulder joint.
  • Before the operation, a complete medical evaluation.
  • Assessment of the blood to check for common parameters.
  • Before surgery, it can be necessary to cease taking some medications. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including blood thinners, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

During the Procedure

Arthroscopy of the shoulder is used for the majority of procedures. However, partial or complete shoulder replacement surgeries are used to treat severe instances. The typical recovery period following a shoulder procedure is between 6 and 12 weeks.

  • The procedure for replacing your shoulder joint with an artificial implant usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
  • It is carried out when completely unconscious.
  • The doctor replaces all or part of the shoulder joint.
  • The surgeon makes an incision on the front shoulder and examines the cartilage.
  • The humerus, the injured upper arm bone, has been removed and is prepared for augmentation.
  • Removing the fragile and diseased cartilage from the bone socket while leaving the hole for the augmentation
  • The surgeon closes the incision after inserting the implant socket, ball, and stem components.
  • A bandage is used as a makeshift covering.

After Procedure

  • Antibiotics are used to prevent infection.
  • Medications are recommended to treat pain.
  • There may be guiding concepts entwined with one’s own injury. After the procedure, the guidelines will be dropped for a few weeks.
  • For the first two to four weeks after surgery, it’s essential to use the sling to support and protect the shoulder joint.
  • Warm water should not be used to clean the wound.
  • On the first postoperative day, physical therapy begins once x-rays show that the implant is in the right place.
  • Initiate rehabilitation: Thorough and effective postoperative rehabilitation is essential for a successful shoulder replacement.

Recovery

  • The majority of the improvement starts to show around six months, but full recovery from this form of surgery can take 18 to 24 months.
  • Even if the years-long shoulder discomfort one has been experiencing might become better after surgery, recuperation can be difficult. In contrast to hip or knee replacement surgeries, which call for the patient to start moving straight away, a shoulder replacement frequently requires four to six weeks of immobilization in a sling.
  • Check the incision on a daily basis for oedema or discharge.
  • Maintain the dressing in place. One can wash and take a shower because the dressing is sealed. Allow the water to trickle over it, then pat it dry. At the first follow-up session, the dressing will be taken off.
  • Patients usually have a return appointment, 10 to 14 days after discharge, for dressing removal in addition to a prescription for pain medication.
  • The doctor will inform one of any special precautions and activity restrictions.
  • The more effectively one performs the rehab activities, the faster they will regain strength and mobility. One might be able to return to work as soon as two to three weeks, depending on your line of work.

Precaution Is Better Than Cure

Recovery takes time after every treatment, but with a few precautions, it may be as quick and painless as possible.

  • Put on a sling.
  • Sleep with caution.
  • Ask for assistance.
  • Watch out for difficulties.
  • Complete the physical therapy.
  • Keep yourself at ease.
  • Keep your movements in mind.
  • Take it slow.

How can Lyfboat assist you getting Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

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Lyfboat is a free advisory platform; we do not charge any fees from patients. In fact, we negotiate the price that Indian hospitals offer. In some cases we are able to reduce the cost by negotiating upto 20% of what Hospitals generally offer. We advise the best treatment from the top hospital/surgeon at best price.

Benefits and Success of Shoulder Replacement Surgery

  • In individuals with end-stage shoulder arthritis and, in rare situations, following severe shoulder fractures, shoulder replacement surgery is a very effective way to relieve pain and regain mobility.
  • Surgery to replace the shoulder helps patients regain flexibility, strength, and function while also reducing pain.
  • 95% of patients have pain-free motion one year after surgery, enabling them to train their shoulders to regain strength and range of motion.
  • Most patients are able to resume their prior physical activities that they avoided due to shoulder pain, including tennis, swimming, yoga, and Pilates.

Risks

Some of the post-shoulder surgery issues that can arise and provide a risk for shoulder damage are listed below:

Infection: One of the frequent side effects of any type of surgical surgery is infection. A wound or infection could result from bacteria or viruses attacking the sewn skin. Antibiotics aid in reducing or getting rid of the virus, but if things go worse, the patient might possibly need another surgical surgery to get better. The procedure ends with the use of fresh stitches and aids in the removal of hazardous microorganisms. Therefore, it is wise to visit a doctor in such circumstances.

Dislocation: One of the major concerns with shoulder surgery is a dislocation. It may occur as a result of vigorous exercise or failing to adhere to the after-surgery care instructions. The implants might potentially come out if the shoulder suddenly jerks while doing an activity.

The issue with Prosthesis: The problem with prosthesis is that they frequently rip and tear over time after being implanted. There could be a serious issue if the components loosen. In some situations, surgery may be able to provide some alleviation. One of the biggest postoperative problems is a loose prosthesis.

Nerve Injury: Another frequent complication of any kind of surgery is nerve injury. It occurs when the surgical instruments employed cause damage to the nearby nerves during the procedure. If these injuries are not treated in a timely manner, problems can also result.

The majority of patients report great pain reduction and increased mobility, and the operation has a high overall success rate. Reduced risks are made possible through preoperative evaluation and postoperative care.

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