✦ Major Orthopaedic Surgery

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Q: What is reverse shoulder replacement?

Reverse TSR inverts the joint mechanics — the ball is placed on the glenoid side and the socket on the humerus. This allows the deltoid to power shoulder movement, compensating for a deficient or absent rotator cuff.

Q: What are the types of shoulder replacement surgery?

Total shoulder replacement for arthritis with an intact cuff; reverse replacement for cuff arthropathy; hemiarthroplasty (partial) for isolated humeral head fractures or avascular necrosis.

Q: Is shoulder replacement surgery available in Hyderabad?

Yes — Dr. Satish performs total and reverse shoulder replacement surgery at specialist facilities in Hyderabad.

The damaged shoulder joint is replaced with an anatomical or reverse total prosthesis — delivering reliable pain relief and restored overhead function in severe shoulder arthritis and complex proximal humerus fractures.

90–120 min PROCEDURE

2–4 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>90% SUCCESS RATE

6 Months RETURN TO FULL ACTIVITY

What is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement surgery (shoulder arthroplasty) replaces the damaged glenohumeral joint with an artificial prosthesis. The procedure is most commonly performed for end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder, avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and complex proximal humerus fractures. Two main types are performed: total shoulder replacement (TSR) — for arthritis with an intact rotator cuff — and reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSA), where the ball and socket are switched, allowing the deltoid muscle to power shoulder movement even in the absence of a functional rotator cuff.

Suitable for patients with severe glenohumeral arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or complex proximal humerus fractures causing significant pain and functional loss that has not responded to conservative management. Rotator cuff integrity is the key factor in choosing between standard and reverse replacement.

How the Procedure Works

Deltopectoral Approach

A standard deltopectoral incision exposes the glenohumeral joint; the subscapularis tendon is carefully managed — released and later repaired.

Humeral Head Resection

The humeral head is resected at the anatomical neck; the canal is prepared and the humeral stem trial is inserted.

Glenoid Preparation

For TSR: the glenoid is reamed and a polyethylene component is cemented. For RTSA: a metal baseplate and glenosphere are fixed to the glenoid.

Trial Reduction

Trials are assembled; shoulder stability, range of motion, and soft tissue tension are tested before final implantation.

Final Implants & Closure

Definitive components are assembled; subscapularis is repaired; wound closed. Sling for 4–6 weeks; physiotherapy begins immediately.

Outcomes

90–120 minDURATION

2–4 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>90%SUCCESS RATE

6 MonthsFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Eliminates severe shoulder joint pain — often immediate relief post-surgery
→Reverse shoulder replacement works even without a functional rotator cuff
→Restores ability to lift the arm, reach overhead, and perform daily tasks
→Well-established procedure with excellent long-term durability
→Covered by most insurance plans
→Early physiotherapy begins the day after surgery

"Shoulder replacement has come a long way, particularly reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Patients who were told nothing could be done for their destroyed shoulder now have a reliable, proven solution. The transformation in function and quality of life is profound."

— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

What is reverse shoulder replacement?+

What are the types of shoulder replacement surgery?+

Is shoulder replacement surgery available in Hyderabad?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

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