About Shoulder Surgery
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive techniques (arthroscopy) reduce tissue trauma and scarring.Effective relief from chronic shoulder pain and stiffness.Restores range of motion, stability, and strength for daily activities.Can be performed as an outpatient procedure in many cases.High success rates for conditions like rotator cuff tears and impingement.Advanced surgical options, including shoulder replacement, for severe arthritis./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe, persistent shoulder pain unresponsive to conservative treatments (rest, physiotherapy, medication).
- Complete or significant rotator cuff tears causing weakness and limited movement.
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations or instability.
- Advanced osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis causing joint damage and pain.
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) that does not improve with therapy.
- Labral tears (e.g., SLAP tears) often seen in athletes.
- Fractures of the shoulder bones (humerus, clavicle, scapula) requiring fixation.
- Bone spurs or inflamed bursa causing impingement syndrome.
How to prepare
- Complete a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging (X-ray, MRI).
- Discuss all current medications, supplements, and allergies with your surgeon; you may need to stop blood thinners.
- Arrange for assistance at home for the first few days post-surgery.
- Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight).
- Quit smoking, as it can significantly impair healing.
- Begin any pre-habilitation (pre-surgery) exercises as recommended by your physiotherapist.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the joint.
- Bleeding, hematoma, or nerve/blood vessel damage.
- Stiffness, reduced range of motion, or adhesive capsulitis.
- Failure of the repair (e.g., re-tear of a rotator cuff).
- Complications related to anesthesia.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Persistent pain or complex regional pain syndrome.
- Hardware complications (if screws or plates are used).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial rest with the arm in a sling for 2-6 weeks, depending on the procedure.
- Strict adherence to a structured physiotherapy program to regain motion and strength.
- Pain management with prescribed medications and ice therapy to reduce swelling.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or overhead activities for several months.
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures.
- Gradual return to normal activities and sports as cleared by the surgeon, often over 4-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering shoulder surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for shoulder surgery in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform shoulder surgery. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for shoulder surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Shoulder Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing shoulder surgery.
Aadya Johnson, a 42-year-old high school...
Aadya Johnson, a 42-year-old high school art teacher and avid gardener, began experiencing persistent, sharp pain in her right shoulder while demonstrating painting techniques on large canvases. Over several months, the pain worsened, severely limiting her ability to lift her arm and making simple tasks like reaching for supplies or tending to her roses agonizing. An MRI revealed a significant rotator cuff tear, likely from years of repetitive overhead motion. Her orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lee, recommended arthroscopic shoulder surgery to repair the tear, explaining it was the best chance to restore pain-free function. Aadya was anxious about the surgery and the recovery time, fearing it would disrupt her connection to both her students and her garden, which were her primary sources of joy. The procedure went smoothly as an outpatient surgery. Her recovery required 6 weeks in a sling with strict physical therapy. Initially frustrated by the dependence on others, she focused on her PT exercises with determination. Six months post-op, Aadya has regained nearly full range of motion with minimal pain. She is back to painting large murals with her students and can weed her garden beds without a twinge. Emotionally, she transitioned from fear and frustration to immense relief and gratitude, feeling she has reclaimed a vital part of her active and creative identity.
Orthopedists for Shoulder Surgery
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform shoulder surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 48 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore