Upper Limb Unit launches revolutionary advances in shoulder replacement using Modular glenoid system

Dr Ram Chidambaram, along with Top Global Shoulder Experts, Prof Stefan Greiner from
Germany and Prof Stefano Gumina from Italy, launched a revolutionary technology for
Shoulder Replacement surgery using Modular glenoid system with VIP (Virtual Implant
Positioning) and Mixed Reality Navigation with HoloLens. Dr Ram Chidambaram performed
the first live surgery demonstration of VIP shoulder in March 2024, and the first Mixed
Reality guided shoulder replacement using HoloLens in India in May 2023.
These innovations were highlighted with re-live demonstrations of reverse shoulder surgery
performed using Arthrex VIP system with MR navigation and HoloLens in CULTCON 2024.
CULTCON stands for Chennai Upper Limb Unit Teaching Convention. Featuring expert talks,
panel discussions and live demonstrations by 2 international and 25 national faculty, the
conference aims to teach and train general orthopaedic surgeons and post graduate
residents in the specialised field of shoulder and upper limb surgery, a novel concept in
India. With over 400 orthopaedic surgeons from all over the country in attendance, it is
evident that CULTCON is taking place at the right time.
Chennai Upper Limb Unit is a dedicated specialist centre in Alwarpet that exclusively caters
to patients with problems affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand. Inaugurated this
year by Dr Radhakrishnan IAS, it is the first of its kind in India, offering treatment for all
kinds of upper limb trauma, sports injuries and joint replacement. The patient’s well-being
is at the core of Chennai Upper Limb Unit’s philosophy, a trait that is reflected in the
clinic’s state-of-the-art equipment and physiotherapy services.
Dr Ram Chidambaram, founding director of the Chennai Upper Limb Unit, is a senior
consultant shoulder & upper limb surgeon with over 30 years of experience in India and the
UK. In 2011, he left behind a flourishing orthopaedic practice in the UK’s National Health
Service and settled in Chennai. He developed an exclusive practice in sports medicine and
treating upper limb ailments and is now regarded as one of the best shoulder and upper
limb surgeons in Asia. He has performed over 4,500 keyhole surgeries, 1,100 joint
replacements and 3,500 upper limb trauma surgeries. He served as the president of
Shoulder and Elbow Society, India for 4 consecutive years, from 2017 to 2021.
Dr Ram has a passion for reverse shoulder arthroplasty, a unique and novel procedure
where the ball is replaced with a prosthetic socket and vice versa. He is credited with
performing the first reverse shoulder replacement in South India in 2011, and the first
stemless shoulder in 2012.
Regarding the Arthrex VIP system, Dr Ram says ‘Shoulder replacement surgery is a
procedure to ease pain and regain function in people with severe shoulder joint issues like
arthritis or fracture. Traditional methods sometimes struggle with precise implant
placement. This new system is a game-changer designed to tackle these issues, customising
the implant according to the patient’s unique anatomy.
’
Regarding the new HoloLens technology, Dr Ram says ‘We use AI to process information
from the patient’s CT scans to identify the best possible placement for the glenoid peg and
screws. I wear the HoloLens during surgery, take references from bone points, and project
the 3D hologram on patients in real time during the operation. This helps to further
heighten the accuracy and precision of my surgery.’
With robust implant placement, smaller incisions and far less tissue damage, patients
operated with this technology can make a much faster recovery. In fact, they don’t even
need a sling! Patients can start moving their arm the very next day after the operation.
Dr Ram has also made it his mission to improve public perception of upper limb injuries
and encourage the right way to seek treatment. The Chennai Upper Limb Unit is proud to
launch its newest feature – a 24-hour helpline that allows prospective patients to call in and
learn more about their conditions and seek second opinions, in addition to booking
appointments and scheduling surgeries. He wishes to provide the best service possible to
every patient that seeks his care, and through his teaching initiatives and clinical
milestones, he hopes to inspire others to do the same.