Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, has successfully performed a pioneering shoulder revision surgery, marking a first in North India. Vasu Batra, a 28-year-old patient, underwent a complex procedure using a Human Dermal Allograft (HDA) patch, a treatment widely used in North America but rarely seen in India. The surgery was carried out after Batra’s previous Bankart repair in 2021 failed to provide long-term relief from recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Dr. Priyadarshi Amit, Senior Consultant, Orthopaedics and Ortho-Spine Surgery, led the intricate procedure. “This was a highly complex case involving both bone loss and soft tissue damage. The shoulder joint had deteriorated, and the rotator cuff was severely torn. We decided to use a human dermal allograft patch to reinforce the repair, providing long-term strength and reducing the risk of re-tear,” explained Dr. Priyadarshini Amit.

The HDA patch, derived from donated human skin, was placed over the damaged shoulder area to provide natural support and aid healing. These patches are commonly used in the US for shoulder, knee, and tendon repairs, with studies showing significantly improved shoulder function and reduced re-tear rates—from 26% in standard repairs to 10% with dermal allograft reinforcement.

For this procedure, the allograft patch was imported through Avana Surgical and Cure Surgicals, ensuring timely and compliant access. Mr. Vasu Batra shared his experience: “The constant pain made even simple tasks like lifting my arm or getting dressed difficult. After my last surgery failed, I wondered if I’d ever fully recover. This procedure has given me hope again.”

In addition to the allograft patch, the surgical team employed the Virtual Implant Positioning (VIP) system, using CT-guided 3D models to pre-plan the surgery. This technology enhances precision, particularly in revision cases where anatomy is altered. The patient was discharged within 48 hours and is now undergoing rehabilitation.