Shoulder Replacement Surgery in India
Get Shoulder Replacement Surgery at internationally accredited (JCI/NABH) Indian hospitals at a fraction of Western costs, with end-to-end international patient support — visa, travel, stay, and follow-up care.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery in UAE
Shoulder Replacement Surgery at leading UAE hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — world-class care closer to home, visa-free entry for many nationalities, international specialists, and modern facilities.
Overview
Shoulder replacement surgery (total shoulder arthroplasty or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty) is a highly effective orthopaedic procedure that resurfaces or replaces the damaged glenohumeral joint, restoring pain-free range of motion in patients with advanced osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or post-traumatic joint destruction. Reported clinical success rates exceed 90–95% at 10-year follow-up in high-volume centres, with significant improvements in Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and ASES functional scores. GAF Healthcare connects international patients with JCI- and NABH-accredited hospitals in India and JCI- and DHA-licensed facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, delivering world-class implant technology and rehabilitation at a fraction of Western costs.
Hospital Stay: 3–5 days (inpatient, acute post-operative ward) • Total Stay in Country (Fit-to-Fly): 3–6 weeks (clearance depends on implant stability, wound healing, and DVT prophylaxis protocol; long-haul flights typically cleared at 4–6 weeks with compression garments and low-molecular-weight heparin bridging if indicated) • Success Rate: 90–95% at 10-year follow-up (implant survival and patient-reported outcome measures)
What Is It?
The glenohumeral joint — the ball-and-socket articulation between the humeral head and the glenoid fossa of the scapula — is the most mobile joint in the human body, functioning through a complex interplay of the rotator cuff muscles, labrum, and joint capsule. When progressive cartilage loss from primary osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or severe rotator cuff arthropathy destroys this articulation, patients experience debilitating pain at rest and with activity, global loss of motion (particularly external rotation and elevation), nocturnal pain disrupting sleep, and progressive muscular atrophy. Conservative measures — NSAIDs, intra-articular corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, physiotherapy — eventually reach their therapeutic ceiling, at which point surgical reconstruction becomes the definitive standard of care.
Shoulder arthroplasty has evolved substantially over four decades. Modern implant systems employ highly cross-linked polyethylene glenoid components, anatomically contoured titanium humeral stems with hydroxyapatite coatings, and — critically — reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) designs that invert the ball-and-socket geometry to recruit the intact deltoid muscle as the primary elevator when the rotator cuff is irreparably torn. The rTSA platform, pioneered by Paul Grammont and now refined with lateralised glenosphere designs (e.g., Exactech Equinoxe, DJO Surgical Reverse Shoulder), has dramatically expanded the surgical candidacy pool, particularly in patients over 65 with cuff-tear arthropathy.
At GAF Healthcare's partner institutions, pre-operative digital templating with 3-D CT reconstruction ensures precise implant sizing, reducing intraoperative glenoid mismatch — the leading cause of early implant loosening. Intraoperative navigation and patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), available at premium centres in India and the UAE, further optimise glenoid component version and inclination, directly correlating with long-term outcomes. Multimodal anaesthesia protocols incorporating interscalene brachial plexus nerve blocks (ultrasound-guided) minimise opioid consumption and facilitate earlier mobilisation.
Candidates
• ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES (Indications):
• Severe glenohumeral osteoarthritis (Samilson-Prieto Grade III–IV) unresponsive to ≥6 months of conservative therapy
• Rheumatoid arthritis with joint-space obliteration and synovial destruction
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy (Hamada Grade III–V) — typically managed with rTSA
• Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head (Cruess Stage IV–V)
• Post-traumatic arthritis following complex proximal humerus fractures (Neer 3- or 4-part)
• Acute proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients (hemiarthroplasty or rTSA as primary treatment)
• Failed prior shoulder surgery with residual joint destruction
• Oncological resection requiring prosthetic reconstruction (tumour shoulder endoprosthesis)
• REQUIRED PRE-OPERATIVE DIAGNOSTICS:
• Plain radiographs: AP, lateral (Y-view), and axillary views to assess joint-space loss, glenoid erosion pattern (concentric vs. posterior), and humeral head migration
• CT scan of the shoulder with 3-D reconstruction: mandatory for glenoid morphology classification (Walch Classification: A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, C, D) and PSI templating
• MRI of the shoulder: rotator cuff integrity assessment — critical for determining anatomy vs. reverse prosthesis selection; also evaluates glenoid bone stock and labral pathology
• EMG/nerve conduction studies: if axillary nerve or suprascapular nerve compromise is suspected
• Full blood count, ESR, CRP, and synovial aspirate cell count: to exclude periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or septic arthritis (threshold: >1,700 WBC/µL or >65% PMN differential in synovial fluid)
• Cardiac evaluation: ECG, ECHO if age >60 or cardiac history; anaesthesia fitness using ASA Physical Status Classification and RCRI (Revised Cardiac Risk Index)
• Bone density (DEXA scan): if osteoporosis suspected, as it affects implant fixation strategy (cemented vs. cementless stem)
• Pulmonary function tests and chest X-ray: pre-anaesthesia clearance
• RELATIVE CONTRAINDICATIONS:
• Active septic arthritis or systemic infection (absolute contraindication — surgery deferred until infection eradicated)
• Severe deltoid muscle paralysis or loss (contraindication for rTSA)
• Inadequate glenoid bone stock precluding secure component fixation
• Paralytic brachial plexus injury affecting the operative limb
• Active malignancy without oncological clearance
• Severe medical comorbidities with prohibitive anaesthetic risk (ASA Class IV–V)
• Severe osteoporosis without bone augmentation strategy
• Non-compliant patient unlikely to adhere to post-operative rehabilitation protocol
Procedure
PROCEDURE TYPES:
1. TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY (TSA — Anatomic)
• Indicated for: Osteoarthritis with intact or repairable rotator cuff and adequate glenoid bone stock
• Technique: Deltopectoral approach; humeral head resection at the anatomic neck using calibrated osteotomy guides; reaming and implantation of a polyethylene-backed metal-backed or all-polyethylene glenoid component; humeral stem insertion (cemented or press-fit cementless depending on bone quality)
• Implant systems: Tornier Aequalis Perform+, Zimmer Biomet Comprehensive, Smith & Nephew Cofield 2
• Reported 10-year implant survival: 92–95%
2. REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY (rTSA)
• Indicated for: Rotator cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, complex fractures in elderly, failed prior TSA, proximal humerus tumours
• Technique: Grammont-principle or lateralised-design glenosphere fixed to the glenoid baseplate (metaglene); humeral cup articulates on the convex glenosphere — inverting the normal ball-socket geometry; deltoid muscle becomes the primary abductor, bypassing the absent/failed rotator cuff
• Advanced designs: Lateralised glenosphere (e.g., DJO Reverse Shoulder System, Exactech Equinoxe) reduce notching (inferior scapular impingement), improve external rotation, and lower dislocation risk versus classic Grammont medialized designs
• Reported 10-year implant survival: 89–93%
3. HEMIARTHROPLASTY
• Indicated for: Humeral head AVN (early stages), acute 3- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures in younger patients, glenoid bone stock insufficient for full TSA
• Technique: Humeral head replaced by a prosthetic component; native glenoid cartilage preserved
• Limitation: Inferior pain relief compared to TSA in osteoarthritis; largely superseded by rTSA in elderly fracture patients
4. RESURFACING ARTHROPLASTY
• Indicated for: Younger patients (<55 years) with isolated humeral head cartilage loss, intact glenoid, intact rotator cuff
• Technique: Bone-conserving cap prosthesis (e.g., Copeland TESS, Global CAP) resurfaces the humeral head without intramedullary stem; preserves humeral bone stock for future revision
• Advantage: Easier revision to full TSA if needed; lower risk of stress-shielding
5. PATIENT-SPECIFIC INSTRUMENTATION (PSI) AND NAVIGATION-ASSISTED ARTHROPLASTY
• Technology: Pre-operative CT data processed by software (e.g., Blueprint PSI, True-Fit) generates custom cutting guides and implant positioning templates, eliminating intraoperative estimation error
• Clinical benefit: Achieves glenoid version within ±3° of planned alignment in >90% of cases; reduces risk of glenoid component malpositioning, the leading cause of early revision
• Availability: Offered at select JCI-accredited centres partnered with GAF Healthcare in India (Apollo, Fortis, Kokilaben) and UAE (Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic City Hospital Dubai, American Hospital Dubai)
6. ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY (EMERGING)
• Platform: Monogram Orthopedics and other emerging systems provide intraoperative robotic guidance for glenoid preparation and component placement
• Status: Available at leading centres; evidence base accumulating — early data shows superior glenoid component positioning accuracy vs. manual technique
7. ANAESTHESIA PROTOCOL
• Standard: General anaesthesia + ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (single-shot or continuous catheter)
• Benefit: 18–24 hours of post-operative analgesia, dramatically reducing IV opioid requirements, enabling earlier physiotherapy initiation (within 24 hours)
• Beach-chair vs. lateral decubitus positioning: Both used; beach-chair is most common, offers easier intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging
Cost of Shoulder Replacement Surgery: India vs. UAE
The cost of shoulder replacement surgery varies significantly between India and the UAE, driven by differences in hospital infrastructure pricing models, implant procurement costs, and labour economics — not differences in implant quality or surgical expertise. Both destinations offer access to the same globally recognised implant systems (Zimmer Biomet, DJO, Exactech, Stryker) and internationally trained orthopaedic surgeons. India offers the most cost-efficient pathway globally, with all-inclusive packages typically 40–60% below UAE pricing and 70–80% below Western European or North American costs. The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, commands a premium reflecting its luxury hospital environments, concierge service standards, and geographic accessibility from the GCC, Africa, and Europe. Both destinations include surgery, implant, anaesthesia, inpatient stay, and standard post-operative medications in their package pricing; physiotherapy sessions, advanced imaging, and extended inpatient stays may incur additional charges.
| Destination | Estimated Cost (USD) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| India | $5,500 – $9,000 | ~55% less than the UAE |
| UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | $12,000 – $20,000 | Premium care, JCI/DHA accredited |
Estimates typically include surgery, hospital stay, and standard medications. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Recovery & Aftercare
PRE-OPERATIVE PHASE (2–4 weeks before surgery):
• Step 1 — Remote Consultation with GAF Healthcare: Upload imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT) and medical records to the GAF Healthcare patient portal. A dedicated case manager presents your file to a panel of orthopaedic arthroplasty specialists at partner hospitals. You receive a written surgical recommendation, implant selection rationale, and itemised cost estimate within 48–72 hours.
• Step 2 — Visa and Travel Arrangements: GAF Healthcare initiates the e-Medical Visa application for India (typically approved within 3–5 business days) or confirms visa-on-arrival/visa-free eligibility for UAE. Flight and ground transfers are coordinated.
• Step 3 — Pre-Admission Workup (on arrival, Day 1–2): Complete blood count, metabolic panel, coagulation profile (PT/INR), group and screen, ECG, chest X-ray, anaesthesia consultation, pre-operative physiotherapy assessment (baseline ROM and strength documentation), and final surgical consent.
• Step 4 — Pre-Operative Optimisation: Any anaemia corrected (target Hb ≥10 g/dL); anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs) bridged or held per protocol; skin preparation with chlorhexidine washes initiated 48 hours prior; pre-emptive analgesic regimen (celecoxib, gabapentin, acetaminophen) started per multimodal protocol.
INTRA-OPERATIVE PHASE (Day 3):
• Duration: 2–3 hours (primary TSA or rTSA); longer for complex revision cases
• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia + interscalene block placed under ultrasound guidance
• Positioning: Beach-chair position; arm draped free for intraoperative range-of-motion testing
• Approach: Standard deltopectoral interval (between deltoid and pectoralis major); subscapularis management (tenotomy vs. lesser tuberosity osteotomy — the latter associated with superior healing rates)
• Key surgical steps: Humeral head osteotomy → glenoid exposure and preparation (reaming, optional bone grafting for deficient glenoids) → component trialling → final implant fixation → subscapularis repair → layered wound closure with drain
• Estimated blood loss: 100–300 mL; cell salvage or tranexamic acid (TXA) IV/topical used to minimise transfusion requirement
POST-OPERATIVE PHASE — INPATIENT (Days 3–7):
• Day 1 post-op: Arm in a sling; commence pendulum exercises (Codman exercises); ice therapy; IV multimodal analgesia; DVT prophylaxis initiated (low-molecular-weight heparin — enoxaparin)
• Day 2 post-op: Physiotherapist-guided passive forward elevation exercises; dressing review; drain removal (if used)
• Day 3–5 post-op: Transition to oral analgesia; active-assisted ROM exercises initiated; occupational therapy (ADL training with sling); wound assessment; discharge planning
• Discharge criteria: Adequate pain control on oral medications, wound clean and dry, patient/carer competent with sling management and home exercise programme
POST-OPERATIVE PHASE — OUTPATIENT / IN-COUNTRY (Weeks 1–6):
• Weeks 1–3: Sling worn full-time (except hygiene and exercises); daily physiotherapy focusing on passive and active-assisted ROM; wound check at Day 10–14 (suture/staple removal); repeat X-ray to confirm component position
• Weeks 3–6: Progressive active ROM exercises; sling weaning begins at Week 4 (surgeon-dependent); light functional activities commenced; no lifting >0.5 kg
• Fit-to-Fly Assessment (Week 4–6): Surgeon and physiotherapist jointly assess wound integrity, DVT risk (compression ultrasound if indicated), and ROM progress before issuing fit-to-fly clearance; long-haul flights (>4 hours) typically cleared at 6 weeks with compression sleeve and in-flight exercises
POST-ARRIVAL HOME REHABILITATION (Months 2–12):
• Month 2–3: Progressive strengthening (rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers); functional goal — combing hair, reaching overhead, dressing independently
• Month 3–6: Return to light recreational activities; swimming (freestyle) typically permitted at 3 months
• Month 6–12: Full functional recovery expected; overhead sports (tennis, swimming) cleared at 6 months; heavy manual labour and contact sports generally discouraged with glenoid implant in situ
• Milestone benchmarks: Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and ASES Score documented at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year; expected OSS improvement from ≤20 (pre-op) to ≥40 (post-op) at 12 months in successful cases
Risks & Considerations
Shoulder arthroplasty carries a well-characterised risk profile that patients must understand prior to giving informed consent. The overall complication rate at high-volume centres is low (<5–8%) but includes the following specific concerns:
GLENOID COMPONENT LOOSENING: The most common long-term failure mode in anatomic TSA, occurring in 5–10% of cases at 10 years. Risk is higher with posterior glenoid erosion (Walch B2/B3 morphology), soft cement technique, and glenoid malpositioning (retroversion >10°). PSI and navigation reduce but do not eliminate this risk.
Top Hospitals for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The following JCI and NABH-accredited hospitals are among the most experienced in specialist care, with dedicated teams and high-volume programmes.
Apollo Hospitals
New Delhi, India
Manipal Hospitals
Bengaluru, India
Manipal Hospitals Dwarka
New Delhi, India
Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery Dubai
Dubai, UAE
Top Doctors for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Internationally trained specialists in Orthopedics. Review their profiles, compare experience, and connect directly through GAF Healthcare.
Dr. Shivam Tiwari
MBBS, DNB
Orthopedic Surgeon — Joint Replacement
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
7+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Shivam Tiwari is a Senior Consultant in Joint Replacement at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital in New Delhi, bringing over 7 years of dedicated clinical experience in orthopedic surgery. He holds qualifications in MBBS and DNB, establishing a strong foundation in general medicine and specialized orthopedic training. His clinical focus centers on the management of degenerative joint diseases affecting the knee and hip, where he combines both surgical… Read more
Dr. Yash Gulati
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MCh (Orthopaedics)
Orthopedic Surgeon — Joint Replacement & Spine
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
37+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Yash Gulati is a senior orthopedic surgeon with more than 37 years of dedicated clinical experience in joint replacement, sports medicine, and spine surgery. He holds advanced qualifications including MBBS and MS from the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, and an MCh in Orthopaedics from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. Recognized with India's highest civilian honors—the Padma Shri Award (2009) and the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award… Read more
Dr. Aman Dua
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), DNB (Ortho), Fellowship in Bone & Cartilage Transplantation & Revision Joint Surgery
Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, India
22+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Aman Dua is Director of Joint Replacement and Orthopaedics at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi. He completed his postgraduate orthopaedics training from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. After completing his senior residency in the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS, he went on to a fellowship in Revision Joint Replacement and Bone Transplantation from Princess Alexandra Hospital, BPH and… Read more
Dr. Anoop Dhamangaonkar
MBBS, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho, D. Ortho, FCPS Ortho, MNAMS
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, India
12+ Yearsof experience
Dr. Anoop Dhamangaonkar is a Consultant Joint Replacement and Orthopaedic Surgeon based at Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai, with over 12 years of clinical expertise in complex orthopaedic care. He holds an impressive array of qualifications including MBBS from Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, MS Ortho, DNB Ortho, D. Ortho, FCPS Ortho, and MNAMS—credentials that reflect his comprehensive training and dedication to surgical excellence. Dr.… Read more
Dr. I P S Oberoi
MS (Ortho), MCh (Orth), Diploma
Orthopaedic Surgeon — Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy
Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, India
35+ Yearsof experience
Dr. I P S Oberoi is a distinguished orthopaedic surgeon and Chairperson of the Orthopaedics Program at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon. He also serves as Chief of Robotics, Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy Surgery — a dual leadership role reflecting his pioneering expertise in advanced orthopedic techniques. With over 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Oberoi has established himself as a leader in the field, recognized for his mastery of complex joint… Read more
Frequently Asked Questions — Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery (whether total shoulder arthroplasty or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty) through GAF Healthcare partner hospitals costs approximately USD 5,500–9,000 in India (at JCI- and NABH-accredited centres in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru) versus USD 12,000–20,000 in the UAE (at JCI- and DHA-licensed hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi). These figures are all-inclusive of the surgical procedure, the implant (from globally recognised manufacturers such as Zimmer Biomet, DJO Surgical, or Exactech), anaesthesia, inpatient hospital stay of 3–5 days, operating theatre and anaesthesia team fees, standard post-operative medications (analgesics, antibiotics, DVT prophylaxis), and basic physiotherapy during the hospital stay. They do not include international airfare, accommodation for the attendant, or optional advanced technologies such as patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) or robotic guidance, which carry additional costs. India is typically 40–60% cheaper than the UAE for identical implant brands and surgical complexity. By comparison, the same procedure in the United States costs USD 30,000–50,000 and in the United Kingdom USD 18,000–28,000, making both India and the UAE highly cost-competitive for international patients. GAF Healthcare provides a personalised, itemised cost estimate within 48–72 hours of receiving your medical records and imaging.
Most patients undergoing primary shoulder replacement surgery (total or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty) are ready for international air travel approximately 4–6 weeks after their operation. The minimum recommended in-country stay before flying is 3–4 weeks for shorter regional flights (under 3 hours) and 5–6 weeks for long-haul international flights (over 6 hours). The key milestones that must be achieved before fit-to-fly clearance is granted by your surgeon and physiotherapist include: (1) complete wound healing with no signs of infection or dehiscence — assessed at the Day 10–14 wound review; (2) stable implant positioning confirmed on repeat X-ray at 2–3 weeks; (3) adequate pain control on oral medications without IV or intramuscular analgesia; (4) absence of deep vein thrombosis — a compression duplex ultrasound of the upper extremity veins may be ordered if risk factors are present; and (5) the patient's ability to manage the sling, perform home exercises, and cope with the physical demands of airport transit independently or with a companion. For long-haul flights, the GAF Healthcare medical team prescribes compression garments for the arm and, in higher-risk patients, a short course of low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin) as DVT prophylaxis during travel. GAF Healthcare's case manager coordinates the formal fit-to-fly certification required by some airlines for post-surgical patients travelling with a sling or mobility aid.
Shoulder replacement surgery has one of the most favourable long-term outcome profiles in orthopaedic arthroplasty. At high-volume, specialised centres — the standard for GAF Healthcare's partner hospitals — implant survival rates exceed 90–95% at 10 years for both total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) demonstrate substantial and durable improvements: the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) typically improves from a pre-operative mean of 18–22 (out of 48) to a post-operative mean of 40–44 at 12 months; the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score improves from approximately 30–40 pre-operatively to 75–85 at one year. In practical terms, over 90% of patients report complete or near-complete resolution of resting pain within 6–12 weeks. Functional recovery follows a predictable trajectory: independent dressing and basic ADLs by 6 weeks; hair combing and reaching overhead by 3 months; return to recreational activities such as swimming and golf by 6 months. The 5-year revision rate for primary shoulder arthroplasty at experienced centres is 3–7%, most commonly for glenoid component loosening (in TSA) or instability (in rTSA). Outcomes are closely linked to pre-operative patient selection, implant positioning accuracy (improved by PSI and navigation), and adherence to the post-operative physiotherapy protocol — all areas where GAF Healthcare's partner hospitals demonstrate benchmarked performance data available on request.
Why Plan Your Treatment Through Gaf Healthcare?
GAF Healthcare provides end-to-end non-medical coordination for international patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery at its partner hospitals in India and the UAE, ensuring a seamless experience from first contact to return home.
VISA ASSISTANCE — INDIA:
• GAF Healthcare's documentation team prepares and submits the e-Medical Visa (e-MV) application on the patient's behalf. The e-MV allows a 60-day stay (extendable) with up to triple entry and is typically approved within 3–5 business days. A companion e-Medical Attendant Visa is simultaneously processed for one accompanying family member. GAF Healthcare generates the formal hospital invitation letter required as a supporting document for the application.
VISA ASSISTANCE — UAE (DUBAI / ABU DHABI):
• Citizens of 120+ countries enjoy visa-on-arrival or visa-free access to the UAE for stays of 30–90 days. For nationalities requiring advance visas, GAF Healthcare coordinates the UAE medical treatment visa application through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) portal, supported by a letter from the partner hospital. DHA (Dubai Health Authority) and HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) registration documents for the treating surgeon are provided to patients on request.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
• Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers are arranged for arrival and departure at all major airports: Indira Gandhi International (Delhi), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (Mumbai), Kempegowda International (Bengaluru), Dubai International (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International (AUH). Post-operatively, transfers are configured for patient comfort — wheelchair assistance, arm sling accommodation, and luggage handling included.
ACCOMMODATION:
• GAF Healthcare arranges serviced apartments or hotel rooms within 2–5 km of the treating hospital for the patient's companion/attendant throughout the in-country stay. Options range from budget-comfortable to premium, matched to patient preference and budget. Attendant accommodations within the hospital room (attendant cot) are also confirmed at the time of admission.
DEDICATED CASE MANAGER AND TRANSLATION:
• Each patient is assigned a single named GAF Healthcare case manager — reachable 24/7 by WhatsApp, phone, and email — who coordinates between the surgical team, physiotherapy, diagnostics, and administrative departments. Medical interpretation services are available in Arabic, Russian, French, Swahili, Uzbek, and other languages as required; a professional medical interpreter accompanies the patient to all consultations if needed.
SECOND OPINIONS AND MULTI-CENTRE REVIEW:
• GAF Healthcare can facilitate review of imaging and surgical plans by senior arthroplasty consultants at multiple partner hospitals before the patient commits to a surgical date, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in the proposed treatment plan.
POST-DISCHARGE TELEMEDICINE:
• Following return home, patients are enrolled in GAF Healthcare's 12-month virtual follow-up programme. The treating surgeon conducts structured video consultations at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Radiographic images taken in the patient's home country can be uploaded to the GAF portal for remote review. Emergency clinical queries are triaged within 4 hours by the assigned case manager.