Total Shoulder Replacement

January 1, 2021

Shoulder Care and Surgery by Dr. Shaw

Dr. Shaw offers a full range of shoulder care and surgery, from treating common conditions like rotator cuff tears and shoulder strains to performing advanced shoulder replacement surgeries. Shoulder replacement is often recommended for patients with arthritis, especially when the shoulder joint becomes severely damaged or painful.

When Is Shoulder Replacement Necessary?

The decision to undergo shoulder replacement surgery depends on:

Shoulder disability and pain level
X-rays showing narrowing of the joint space and bone spurs
Arthritis severity

Patients suffering from severe shoulder arthritis or persistent pain are often ideal candidates for this procedure.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Most shoulder replacement procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, offering patients quicker recovery times. The surgery involves:

Multimodal pain management plan to reduce the use of narcotics
Use of both regional block and general anesthesia
Minimal muscle disruption, with only the subscapularis tendon (located at the front of the shoulder) being cut and repaired during surgery

The Procedure: Replacing Arthritic Bone Surfaces

The arthritic bone surfaces are either scraped or removed.
Metal and plastic components are used to resurface the joint, allowing for smooth movement at the shoulder.
Pain relief is typically excellent, and many patients regain the ability to engage in daily activities and sports.

Types of Shoulder Replacement

There are three main types of shoulder replacement options available, each tailored to the patient’s specific needs:

1. Humeral Head Resurfacing

Used when arthritis is less severe and the glenoid cartilage (socket side) remains intact.
Not commonly performed due to arthritis severity in most patients.

2. Anatomic Shoulder Replacement

The most common form of shoulder replacement, which resurfaces both the glenoid and humeral head.
Requires a well-functioning rotator cuff to achieve optimal results.
Can be performed with a stem or stemless option (minimally invasive), with Dr. Shaw typically opting for the stemless method.

3. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Used for patients with shoulder arthritis and a rotator cuff tear.
This approach reverses the normal shoulder anatomy by placing the ball on the socket side (glenoid) and the socket on the humerus.
Provides pain relief and the ability to lift the arm.

The reverse shoulder replacement is performed through a 4-5 inch incision at the front of the shoulder.

Advanced Preoperative Planning with CT Scans

Dr. Shaw utilizes preoperative CT scans to:

Assess detailed shoulder anatomy using 3D software
Plan the optimal implant position
Design custom drill guides for precise placement of the glenoid implant

In cases of significant bone wear, special augmented implants may be used to enhance stability and function.

Implants Used by Dr. Shaw

Dr. Shaw carefully selects Zimmer Biomet implants for their advanced design and quality. These implants offer long-lasting results and optimal shoulder function. To learn more about these implants, visit the Zimmer Biomet website.

Please see the Zimmer Biomet website link below to read more about the implants Dr. Shaw uses and other general information about shoulder replacement.

https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/patients-caregivers/shoulder/about-shoulder-replacement.html