What is the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement?

Anatomic shoulder replacement replicates the natural joint anatomy and works well when the rotator cuff is intact. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty flips the joint geometry so that the deltoid muscle - rather than the damaged rotator cuff - powers arm movement. Reverse replacement is used when the rotator cuff is massively torn or absent.

How long will I wear a sling after shoulder replacement?

A sling is typically worn for 4–6 weeks post-operatively to protect the repaired soft tissues and allow the implant to settle. The exact duration depends on the type of procedure and your individual healing. Physiotherapy within the sling begins in the first few days.

Will I be able to lift my arm above my head?

Many patients achieve overhead reach after anatomic replacement with an intact deltoid and good rehabilitation. Following reverse shoulder arthroplasty, forward elevation typically improves significantly, but maximal overhead function depends on pre-operative muscle quality and compliance with physiotherapy.

Is shoulder replacement as common as knee or hip replacement?

Shoulder replacement is performed less frequently than knee and hip replacement, which means that surgeon experience and volume are important factors in outcome. Dr. Hunjan's extensive upper-limb orthopaedic background provides patients with experienced, specialist care.

What activities should I avoid permanently after shoulder replacement?

Heavy overhead lifting, contact sports and repetitive overhead work (e.g., painting ceilings, heavy construction) are generally discouraged long-term to protect the implant from excessive wear and loosening. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming (breast-stroke) and light recreational pursuits are usually permitted once fully recovered.

Is shoulder replacement covered by insurance in India?

Shoulder replacement is covered under many private health insurance policies and certain government health schemes. Hunjan Hospital works with over 100 insurers and can assist with cashless pre-authorisation. We recommend checking your specific policy for orthopaedic implant coverage limits prior to surgery.

Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Hunjan Super Speciality Hospital, Ludhiana offers shoulder replacement surgery - including total anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty - to relieve…

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Shoulder Replacement Surgery care at Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana

Specialist consultation

Diagnosis and imaging guidance

Treatment and recovery planning

Follow-up and rehabilitation support

Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Ludhiana at Hunjan Hospital Total vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement Who Is a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement?Shoulder Replacement: Recovery Timeline Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in Ludhiana Frequently Asked Questions - Shoulder Replacement Surgery Treatment Journey

Shoulder Replacement Surgery in Ludhiana at Hunjan Hospital

Hunjan Super Speciality Hospital, Ludhiana offers shoulder replacement surgery - including total anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty - to relieve severe shoulder pain and restore arm function in patients with end-stage glenohumeral arthritis, irreparable rotator-cuff tears and complex fractures, supported by Dr. Balwant Singh Hunjan's four decades of upper-limb orthopaedic experience in Punjab. The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, and when disease or injury destroys its surfaces, targeted replacement surgery can dramatically reduce pain and allow a return to everyday activities.

Total anatomic shoulder replacement for arthritis with intact rotator cuff
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for rotator-cuff tear arthropathy and complex fractures
Hemi-arthroplasty for selected fracture patterns in older patients
Minimally disruptive deltopectoral approach preserving muscle function
NABH pre-accredited OT with international-standard upper-limb implants
In-house physiotherapy - essential for optimal shoulder function post-surgery
100+ insurers accepted; cashless facility available

Shoulder replacement is less common than knee or hip replacement, and outcomes are strongly influenced by surgeon experience and dedicated post-operative rehabilitation. Hunjan Hospital combines both: an experienced surgical team and a structured, in-house physiotherapy programme.

Total vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Choosing the correct type of shoulder replacement is critical to achieving a good outcome. The decision is based on the condition of the rotator cuff muscles and tendons - the dynamic stabilisers of the shoulder - as well as the pattern of bone loss and patient age and activity level.

Total anatomic shoulder replacement recreates the natural ball-and-socket anatomy. It is suited for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis and a functioning rotator cuff. The glenoid (socket) receives a polyethylene component and the humeral head is replaced with a metal stem and head.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty inverts the anatomy - placing the ball on the glenoid side and the socket on the humerus - to allow the deltoid muscle to power arm elevation when the rotator cuff is absent or irreparably torn. It is the preferred choice for rotator-cuff tear arthropathy, revision shoulder replacement and many complex proximal humerus fractures in older patients.

Total vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement at Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana

Who Is a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement?

Shoulder replacement is considered for patients whose shoulder disease significantly limits daily function and has not responded to non-operative treatment. Typical candidates include:

Severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis with bone-on-bone X-ray changes
Rheumatoid arthritis causing progressive shoulder joint destruction
Rotator-cuff tear arthropathy (massive irreparable cuff tear with joint damage)
Complex proximal humerus fractures not amenable to fixation in older patients
Avascular necrosis of the humeral head
Failed prior shoulder surgery (e.g., failed hemi-arthroplasty)
Persistent disabling pain despite 6+ months of physiotherapy, injections and medication

Who Is a Candidate for Shoulder Replacement? for Shoulder Replacement Surgery at Hunjan Hospital

Shoulder Replacement: Recovery Timeline

Recovery following shoulder replacement is longer than for knee or hip, reflecting the complexity of shoulder muscle rehabilitation. Consistency with physiotherapy is the single most important factor in outcome.

Day 1
Surgery Day & Sling

Shoulder replacement is performed under general anaesthesia with a regional nerve block for post-operative pain control. You will wake with your arm in a sling. The nerve block typically provides comfort for 12–18 hours. Gentle pendulum exercises begin the following morning under physiotherapy supervision.
Week 1–2
Discharge & Passive Range of Motion

Most patients are discharged within 2–4 days. The arm remains in a sling for 4–6 weeks. A physiotherapist teaches passive (therapist-assisted) range-of-motion exercises. Wound care, swelling management and activity restrictions are reviewed in detail before discharge.
Week 3–6
Sling Weaning & Active-Assisted Movement

As wound healing progresses, active-assisted exercises are introduced. The sling is gradually weaned as per surgeon direction, typically by 4–6 weeks. Light tasks with the arm at waist level (e.g., eating, personal care) are encouraged.
3 Months
Strengthening Phase

Active strengthening exercises for the deltoid and remaining rotator cuff muscles begin. Most patients achieve functional range for daily tasks - reaching forward, combing hair and light lifting - by 3 months. Progress in reverse shoulder arthroplasty is often quicker, as deltoid activation is less dependent on cuff integrity.
6–12 Months
Maximal Functional Recovery

Continued improvement in strength and range occurs through the first year. Realistic goals include pain-free daily activities, improved sleep and return to light recreational pursuits. Overhead sports or heavy lifting restrictions may remain permanent - your surgeon will advise on activity-specific guidance.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery Cost in Ludhiana

Indicative cost ranges. Costs vary based on the type of replacement (anatomic vs. reverse), implant used, and inpatient duration.

Hemi-arthroplasty (humeral head only)

For selected fracture patterns

₹1,20,000 – ₹1,80,000

Total Anatomic Shoulder Replacement

Arthritis with intact rotator cuff

₹1,80,000 – ₹2,80,000

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Implant complexity and cuff-tear arthropathy

₹2,20,000 – ₹3,20,000

Revision Shoulder Replacement

Highly variable based on prior implant and bone stock

On consultation

Physiotherapy Package (in-house)

Inpatient sessions included; outpatient programme priced separately

On consultation

Insurance / Cashless

100+ insurers accepted; pre-authorisation assistance provided

Available

All figures are approximate. A precise estimate is provided after clinical evaluation and implant planning. Please bring prior imaging (MRI, X-ray) and insurance documents to your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions - Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Patient pathway

Shoulder Replacement Surgery treatment journey in Ludhiana

Patients receive a step-by-step clinical assessment focused on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment choices, recovery expectations, and follow-up care.

Consultation

The doctor reviews symptoms, history, current medicines, and previous reports.

Diagnosis

Imaging, lab tests, or specialist assessments may be advised when required.

Treatment plan

Options may include medication, therapy, minimally invasive care, surgery, or rehabilitation.

Recovery support

The team explains risks, recovery timelines, warning signs, and follow-up steps.

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