Learn about Shoulder Arthrodesis 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 Shoulder Arthrodesis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Shoulder Arthrodesis

Shoulder arthrodesis, also known as shoulder fusion, is a definitive orthopedic surgical procedure designed to permanently fuse the humerus (upper arm bone) to the scapula (shoulder blade). This procedure eliminates all motion in the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) joint by creating a solid bony union. It is considered a salvage operation, typically reserved for severe, irreparable shoulder conditions where joint reconstruction or replacement is not feasible. The goal is to provide a stable, pain-free, and functional shoulder platform, allowing patients to regain strength and use of their arm for daily activities, albeit with significantly reduced mobility. It is a complex procedure performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons to address debilitating pain and instability.

Key Highlights

    Provides a permanent solution for severe, untreatable shoulder pain and instability.Creates a stable and strong shoulder platform for arm function.Eliminates the source of pain from a destroyed or chronically infected joint.Can restore the ability to perform overhead activities and lifting with the arm.Durable and long-lasting result, avoiding the potential for prosthetic joint failure.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Severe, post-traumatic arthritis with bone loss where joint replacement is not possible.
  • Failed total shoulder arthroplasty (replacement) with significant bone or soft tissue damage.
  • Chronic, uncontrollable shoulder joint infections (septic arthritis).
  • Paralytic conditions like brachial plexus injuries leading to a flail, unstable shoulder.
  • Tumor resection in the shoulder joint requiring removal of bone.
  • Severe rheumatoid arthritis with extensive joint destruction.
  • Recurrent, irreparable shoulder dislocations.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive medical evaluation including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess fitness for surgery.
  • Detailed imaging studies like CT scans and X-rays to plan the precise fusion position and technique.
  • Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners, NSAIDs) as advised by the surgeon.
  • Pre-operative physiotherapy to strengthen surrounding muscles like the scapular stabilizers.
  • Discussion with the surgeon to set realistic expectations about post-operative function and limitations.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours prior to the scheduled surgery time.

Risks & possible complications

  • Infection at the surgical site or deep within the bone.
  • Non-union or delayed union, where the bones fail to fuse properly.
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery, potentially affecting arm sensation or circulation.
  • Hardware complications (pain, loosening, or breakage of plates/screws).
  • Persistent pain despite successful fusion.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) or pulmonary embolism.
  • Anesthetic risks.
  • Fracture of the humerus or scapula.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay of 2-4 days for pain management, monitoring, and initial wound care.
  • The arm is immobilized in a specialized shoulder spica cast or rigid brace for 8-12 weeks to allow fusion.
  • Strict adherence to weight-bearing restrictions; the arm cannot be used for lifting or support.
  • Pain management with prescribed medications.
  • Early focus on gentle hand, wrist, and elbow exercises to prevent stiffness.
  • Gradual, supervised physiotherapy after cast removal to strengthen scapular and elbow muscles and adapt to the fused shoulder.
  • Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor the progress of bone fusion.
  • Full recovery and adaptation to the new shoulder mechanics can take 6-12 months.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 months for full adaptation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering shoulder arthrodesis 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 shoulder arthrodesis compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
Turkey USD 11,427 – USD 26,663 2-4 days ~ 6-12 months for full adaptation Know More
India USD 1,577 – USD 3,680 2-4 days ~ 6-12 months for full adaptation Know More

Top hospitals for Shoulder Arthrodesis in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing shoulder arthrodesis.

Artemis Hospital

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon141 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon75 Doctors

SS SPARSH Hospital, RR Nagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon6 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconSalem, India
  • Icon18 Doctors

KMC Hospital

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

Miot Hospital

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

SPARSH Hospital, Yelahanka

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon54 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

SPARSH Hospital, Hennur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon37 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

The recovery process was smooth thanks...

The recovery process was smooth thanks to Dr. ashok selvaraj's expertise. Highly recommend for orthopedics treatment.

Orthopedists for Shoulder Arthrodesis

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

Dr. Barry D' Rosario - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 43 years experience
  • 43 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Tamil

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ram Prasad J - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 38 years experience
  • 38 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashok  Selvaraj - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 17 years experience
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Umesh Kumar Singh - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 16 years experience
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Senthil Velan R - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 24 years experience
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Mahesh Karthik - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 8 years experience
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Sunil D Magadum - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 20 years experience
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Tamil

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Raj Kanna - Orthopedist at Miot Hospital Chennai with 20 years experience
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Deepak Rudrappa - Orthopedist at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 21 years experience
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shankar R Kurpad R - Orthopedist at Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur with 20 years experience
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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