Advanced Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using Dermal Allograft at BLK-Max Hospital

New Delhi: Doctors at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital have set a new benchmark in shoulder surgery by performing India’s first documented Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction (SCR) using a dermal allograft, a biological implant derived from human donor skin.

This rare and minimally invasive keyhole procedure offers new hope to patients suffering from severe and irreparable rotator cuff tears, considered among the most challenging shoulder injuries, by restoring stability, relieving pain, and in many cases avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery.

37-year-old Mr Mahesh Gautam, resident of Delhi, suffered a serious fall a few months back that left him with persistent pain and weakness in his shoulder. Despite multiple treatments, his condition did not improve, leaving him unable to carry out daily activities.

Seeking advanced care, he came to BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, where the team of doctors led by Dr. Deepak Chaudhary, Principal Director and HOD, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, diagnosed that he had an irreparable rotator cuff tear, meaning the torn tendons could not be stitched back.

In such situations, standard approaches like simple cleaning of the joint (debridement), partial repair, or even shoulder replacement in severe cases are usually considered. Given his young age, active lifestyle, and work commitments, the team decided to go for Arthroscopic SCR with dermal allograft.

This technologically advanced, minimally invasive procedure allows for restoring stability and function of the shoulder without resorting to replacement surgery.

According to Dr. Deepak Chaudhary, Principal Director and HOD, Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, "Rotator cuff tears occur when the muscles that stabilise the shoulder joint get damaged, often from trauma in younger individuals or wear and tear in older adults.

The shoulder joint works like a ball and socket. When the cuff tendon is completely torn and cannot be repaired, the ball tends to slip out of place, causing pain and weakness. While many cases can be managed with physiotherapy, injections, or standard arthroscopic repairs, some tears are irreparable because the tendons retract and cannot be stitched back.

In such situations, Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction with a dermal allograft provides a solution.”

Further explaining the procedure, Dr. Deepak Chaudhary said, “In this procedure, we place a specially prepared donor graft to act like a new ‘roof’ over the joint, holding the ball in position, restoring balance and allowing smoother movement.

Because it is done arthroscopically through small incisions, recovery is quicker with less pain and minimal scarring compared to open surgery.

This procedure brings shoulder surgery in India up to international standards, enabling us to treat even the most challenging cases without replacing the joint and significantly improving patients’ quality of life.”

Dr. Shiv Chowksey, Senior Consultant, Centre for Sports Medicine, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, said, “This advanced procedure expands treatment options for patients with complex shoulder injuries.

Its minimally invasive approach promotes faster recovery and long-term joint health, helping patients, especially younger ones, preserve their natural shoulder.

“It reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge orthopaedic solutions to patients across the country.”

The patient was discharged just two days after surgery, has resumed work, and is living a healthy life. With this achievement, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital reinforces its leadership in advanced orthopaedic care, combining surgical expertise with patient-focused outcomes.