The procedure, which combines cartilage removal, bone microfracturing, and stem cell therapy, aims to reduce pain, preserve the natural joint, and restore mobility – offering an alternative to total joint replacement.
Published Oct 13, 2025 | 11:56 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 13, 2025 | 11:56 PM
The patient was diagnosed with bilateral primary shoulder osteoarthritis, a rare condition that affects only one in 10,000 to one in 100,000 individuals.
Synopsis: A 52-year-old volleyball coach and sports nutritionist from Puducherry has successfully undergone a rare double shoulder surgery at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, to relieve chronic pain caused by bilateral primary shoulder osteoarthritis. The minimally invasive Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management procedure with stem cell biological resurfacing preserved his natural joints, reduced pain, and significantly restored mobility. Doctors highlighted that the case illustrates the potential of advanced biological treatments in orthopaedics to maintain joint function and improve quality of life.
A 52-year-old volleyball coach and sports nutritionist from Puducherry has successfully undergone a rare double shoulder surgery at SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai, to relieve chronic pain and restore mobility after years of suffering from a debilitating joint condition.
The coach had been experiencing persistent pain in his right shoulder for nearly a decade, resulting from gradual wear and tear of cartilage due to repeated overhead throws and intense athletic training. Two years ago, his left shoulder also began to show similar symptoms, severely limiting his movement and affecting daily activities.
Doctors diagnosed him with bilateral primary shoulder osteoarthritis, a rare condition that affects only one in 10,000 to one in 100,000 individuals. The progressive osteoarthritis reflected the cumulative impact of years of physical strain.
To address the condition, specialists at SRM Global Hospitals performed a minimally invasive Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure with stem cell biological resurfacing on both shoulders.
The procedure, which combines cartilage removal, bone microfracturing, and stem cell therapy, aims to reduce pain, preserve the natural joint, and restore mobility – offering an alternative to total joint replacement.
The patient first underwent CAM on his left shoulder two years ago, which resulted in “excellent recovery and restored mobility,” according to SRM Global Hospitals.
Encouraged by this success, he chose to undergo the same treatment on his right shoulder recently. Doctors said the latest surgery had preserved the natural joint, reduced pain, and significantly improved his quality of life.
“Advancements in medical innovations have opened promising avenues to address complex orthopaedic conditions effectively. When combined with stem cell therapy, these innovations offer new possibilities for joint preservation and pain relief,” Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President of SRM Global Hospitals, said in a press statement. He added that each case receives a tailored approach to ensure optimal outcomes.
“What once seemed impossible is now achievable with cutting-edge biological treatments like stem cell therapy. The CAM procedure allowed us to regenerate damaged cartilage and preserve the natural joint without resorting to replacement,” added Saseendar Shanmugasundaram, Senior Consultant, Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine.
He further explained that the patient’s arthritis was primarily due to repeated volleyball activity rather than accidents, and that the team customised the treatment based on his condition, lifestyle, and recovery potential.
The surgical procedure was led by Dr Sudhir V, Director, Centre for Bone, Joint & Spine Care, and performed alongside Dr Samundeeswari, Consultant Arthroscopy & Sports Surgeon.
Following the surgery, the patient is now undergoing a structured rehabilitation programme, including physiotherapy and controlled exercises designed to strengthen the joints and restore full function.
The hospital emphasised that recovery is a gradual process, focusing on long-term improvement, mobility restoration, and overall quality of life.
SRM Global Hospitals stated that this successful case demonstrates the potential of advanced biological treatments in orthopaedics to preserve natural joints and restore active lifestyles.
