Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder Anatomy

The healthy shoulder is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments (connect bone to bone), tendons (connect muscle to bone), and cartilage. The bones that form the shoulder joint are the humerus (upper arm bone) and the scapula (shoulder blade). The top end of the humerus has a large round surface called the humeral head, which rides against the scapula in a small socket called the glenoid. Think of this connection as a golf ball on a tee. The limited contact area is what allows near unlimited range of motion in a healthy shoulder.

The humeral head and the glenoid are covered with a cushioning tissue called cartilage. Cartilage is a tough lubricating tissue that allows the bones to painlessly glide against each other. The shoulder joint is encapsulated by a group of muscles and ligaments called the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff helps stabilize the shoulder joint and provide movement.

Healthy Shoulder Arthritic Shoulder

When the cartilage wears away, as with osteoarthritis, the bones begin to grind against each other, causing pain and limited movement. As the symptoms of osteoarthritis become untreatable by medications or physical therapy, a shoulder implant may be recommended to relieve pain and restore movement.

Shoulder Replacement Procedure

The technique of total shoulder replacement, also called arthroplasty, removes the damaged bone and cartilage in a joint. The bone is replaced with implants made from metal alloy and polyethylene (plastic). The purpose of the procedure is to restore movement and decrease or eliminate pain.

Healthy Shoulder Arthritic Shoulder After Surgery Shoulder Implant

Humeral Head Resurfacing

Humeral Head Resurfacing

Total shoulder replacement typically involves inserting a metal (titanium or cobalt chromium) stem inside the humerus (upper arm bone) and resurfacing the glenoid (shoulder socket) with a plastic (polyethylene) component. While total shoulder replacement is an extremely effective treatment option for most people, not everyone is a candidate for the procedure.

The alternative surgical option to total shoulder replacement is partial shoulder resurfacing.

Humeral head resurfacing utilizes a metal (cobalt chromium) cap that resurfaces the head of the humerus. This conservative procedure makes the technique less invasive than traditional shoulder replacement surgery. This technique may require a smaller incision and less bone removal, which can allow you to recover more quickly and with less pain. The implant can also help prolong or avoid the need for future total shoulder replacement. However, if you should need total shoulder replacement in the future, humeral head resurfacing allows your surgeon the ability to perform the procedure with a less-invasive approach.

Complications

While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include infection, blood clots, implant breakage, misalignment, and premature wear. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as the patient's postoperative activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

Humeral head resurfacing is one option available to you and your surgeon. Only your orthopedic surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for this implant or if another type of implant would better suit your unique situation.