This shoulder replacement procedure is a proven option for individuals who have disabling shoulder osteoarthritis and are active (see link). This procedure replaces the rough, arthritic surface of the humerus with a metal implant that is securely fixed. The irregular, arthritic glenoid is reamed into a smooth concavity.
This procedure offers an alternative for those who want to avoid risks and limitations that come with the plastic sockets used in traditional total shoulder replacement. It can be used to treat severe shoulder osteoarthritis in young patients, or those who have had previous shoulder surgery fail.
Here are preoperative x-rays for a 40 year athlete. Note the severe arthritis, the displacement of the elbow head in the glenoid as well as the hardware that was left over from a prior operation.
As is our practice, the ream and run is performed without preoperative MRI or CT scans, preoperative 3-D planning, intraoperative navigation, augmented reality, cement, plastic, ingrowth component, or nerve block – making it a cost-effective procedure.
The x-rays of his postoperative recovery are below.
