Learn about Arthrodesis Shoulder Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Arthrodesis Shoulder and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Arthrodesis Shoulder

Arthrodesis of the shoulder, also known as shoulder fusion, is a surgical procedure performed by pediatric orthopedic specialists to permanently fuse the bones of the shoulder joint. This eliminates all motion in the joint to provide a stable, pain-free platform for the arm. In children, it is most often considered for severe, untreatable conditions like brachial plexus birth injuries (obstetrical palsy), paralytic conditions, or complex fractures that have destroyed the joint. The goal is not to restore normal function but to create a functional, stable limb that allows the child to use their hand and elbow effectively. The surgery involves removing the remaining cartilage from the humeral head and glenoid socket and securing the bones together with plates, screws, or rods until they grow together into a single, solid unit.

Key Highlights

    Provides a permanent solution for a painful, unstable, or paralyzed shoulder joint.Eliminates chronic pain caused by joint destruction or instability.Creates a stable base of support, allowing for improved function of the elbow and hand.Can significantly improve a child's ability to perform daily activities and enhance quality of life.Offers a definitive surgical option when joint-preserving procedures are not possible or have failed.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe, irreparable brachial plexus birth injuries (obstetrical palsy) with a flail shoulder.
  • Paralytic conditions affecting the shoulder (e.g., from polio or cerebral palsy) leading to instability.
  • Failed previous shoulder surgeries where reconstruction is not feasible.
  • Severe arthritis or joint destruction from infection (septic arthritis) or trauma.
  • Tumor resection requiring removal of the joint surfaces.
  • Chronic, debilitating shoulder dislocation that cannot be stabilized by other means.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation including detailed physical exam, X-rays, and often a CT scan to assess bone structure.
  • Discussion of goals, expectations, and permanent loss of shoulder motion with the child (if age-appropriate) and family.
  • Pre-operative medical clearance, which may involve blood tests and a cardiac evaluation.
  • Planning for post-surgery needs, including home adjustments, time off school, and physical therapy schedule.
  • Fasting as instructed by the surgical team, typically starting the night before surgery.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the surgical site or in the bone (osteomyelitis).
  • Failure of the bones to fuse together (nonunion).
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury during surgery.
  • Hardware irritation, breakage, or the need for future removal.
  • Persistent pain or the development of pain in adjacent joints (like the scapula or elbow).
  • Complications related to anesthesia.
  • Unsatisfactory positioning of the fused arm, affecting function.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay of 2-4 days for pain management and initial monitoring.
  • The arm will be immobilized in a sling or shoulder spica cast for 8-12 weeks to protect the fusion.
  • Strict adherence to weight-bearing and movement restrictions is crucial for successful healing.
  • Pain is managed with medications, gradually tapering off as healing progresses.
  • Physical therapy begins early to maintain elbow, wrist, and hand motion, with shoulder-specific exercises only after fusion is confirmed on X-ray.
  • Regular follow-up X-rays are needed to monitor bone healing.
  • Full recovery and adaptation to the fused shoulder can take 6-12 months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full adaptation (8-12 weeks in strict immobilization)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering arthrodesis shoulder in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for arthrodesis shoulder compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 180 Thousand – 350 Thousand 2-4 days ~ 6-12 months for full adaptation (8-12 weeks in strict immobilization) Know More
Turkey TRY 630 Thousand – 1.23 Million 2-4 days ~ 6-12 months for full adaptation (8-12 weeks in strict immobilization) Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Ananya Reddy is a 13-year-old aspiring...

Ananya Reddy is a 13-year-old aspiring artist from a small town. She was born with a severe brachial plexus injury during a difficult delivery, leaving her right arm weak and her shoulder chronically dislocated. Despite years of physical therapy, her shoulder remained unstable, causing constant pain that made it difficult for her to hold a paintbrush or sketchbook for more than a few minutes. Her dream of attending art school felt increasingly out of reach. Dr. Evans, her pediatric orthopedic surgeon, explained that an arthrodesis (surgical fusion) of her shoulder was the best option to eliminate the painful instability and provide a stable platform for her elbow and hand to function. Though scared of losing shoulder motion, Ananya was more terrified of a future without art. The surgery was major, and the initial recovery in a shoulder spica cast was challenging. However, as she healed, the debilitating pain vanished. With intensive occupational therapy, she learned to use her scapula and trunk to move her arm. A year later, Ananya can paint for hours without pain, her grip is strong, and she is confidently preparing her portfolio for art school applications. Her journey was one of trading a painful, useless joint for a stable, pain-free base, allowing her true passion to flourish.

Pediatric Orthopedics for Arthrodesis Shoulder

Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform arthrodesis shoulder and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prashanth Inna
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Nandi
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated