Dr. Ram Chidambaram Leads India’s First ArthroFlex®-Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair
Chennai: In a major advancement for orthopedic care in India, the Chennai Upper Limb Unit has successfully performed the country’s first arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with patch augmentation using ArthroFlex®–HDA. The landmark procedure was led by renowned shoulder specialist Dr. Ram Chidambaram, marking a significant step forward in the treatment of complex and massive rotator cuff tears.
Dr. Chidambaram said the breakthrough offers renewed hope for patients who previously had limited treatment options. “This surgery opens new possibilities for patients who were considered untreatable with conventional methods. ArthroFlex–HDA provides an ideal graft for restoring shoulder biomechanics, giving patients a pain-free, functional shoulder and a renewed quality of life,” he noted.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff tears commonly occur due to injury, falls, age-related degeneration, or repetitive overhead activity. These tears can lead to severe pain, restricted movement, and difficulty performing daily tasks. While smaller tears often respond to conservative treatment, larger or degenerative tears typically require arthroscopic repair, where the torn tendon is reattached to the humeral head using suture anchors.
However, outcomes can be compromised in cases involving poor tissue quality or recurrent tears. Patch augmentation using a human allograft—such as ArthroFlex®—strengthens the repair, supports early mobilization, and significantly reduces the risk of retear. The graft’s preserved cellular architecture enhances long-term integration, offering improved strength, elasticity, and biocompatibility.
About Chennai Upper Limb Unit
Located in Alwarpet, the Chennai Upper Limb Unit is a dedicated centre specializing in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand disorders. Its founding director, Dr. Ram Chidambaram, is a senior consultant with over three decades of experience in India and the UK. Widely regarded as one of Asia’s leading shoulder and upper limb surgeons, he is known for his expertise in sports medicine and complex upper limb reconstruction.
This pioneering procedure reinforces Chennai’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced orthopedic care and positions the Chennai Upper Limb Unit at the forefront of upper limb innovation in India.
