Total Shoulder Replacements
Performed using Patient Specific Technology
Your Shoulder is painful when you move it and stops you from doing daily tasks.
It may click or crunch and hurt at night.
Do you need a Total Shoulder Replacement?
This guide is to help you learn more about Patient Specific Technology for Total Shoulder Replacements. Which one is right for you?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in our body, and when it wears out and stiffens from arthritis, the impact on daily life can be devastating. An accurately implanted Total Shoulder Replacement can relieve pain and restore function to the arthritic shoulder.
Patient Specific Technology aids in improving that alignment utilising a Three-Dimensional computer planning, and precise intra-operative guides.
A total shoulder replacement may be a solution for not only arthritis, but also in the setting of a fracture involving the shoulder (proximal humerus), and also for a massive tear of the tendons around the shoulder (rotator cuff).
There are two forms of total shoulder replacement – the ‘anatomic’ replacement aims to match the normal geometry of the shoulder, while the ‘reversed’ replacement is designed to compensate for weak or damaged rotator cuff tendons.
Selecting the correct design of implant for your shoulder is critical in ensuring good function and longevity. Just as important as the design of the implant is the accuracy of implant placement during the operation.
Accuracy is one of the defining features of Patient Specific Technology, and remains the mainstay of innovative methods at Orthopaedics 360. Before all Total Shoulder Replacements, you will have computer planning performed and 3D-printed Patient Specific guides made and utilised during your procedure.
How to Manage
Shoulder Arthritis
Non Operatively
Things to try before your Shoulder Replacement
When you first develop shoulder pain from arthritis, hopefully you might be some time away from needing a total shoulder replacement. Some of the strategies used here can help you delay your surgery for months or years, depending on how bad your arthritis is. The following are some strategies to try:
Regular exercise and stretching – keep the joint mobile and as supple as possible by doing simple stretches and low resistance exercises.
Pain medications – simpe pain relief medication like sustained-release paracetamol is safe to use regularly.
Anti-inflammatory – occasional use of Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, celecoxib or meloxicam.
Injections – very occasional joint injection with corticosteroid and local anaesthetic. This is performed by a medical practitioner.
Ask the Surgeon
Visit us on Facebook to "Ask the Surgeon"
Want to ask us a question? Visit us on Facebook and post your question. Your questions will be public, and answered as soon as possible.
Contact Us
Tel: (08) 7099 0188
Address: 94-96 Fullarton Rd, Norwood, 5067
Orthopaedics 360
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171
Southern Specialist Centre
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171
Health @ Hindmarsh
Orthopaedics 360
P: (08) 7099 0188
F: (08) 7099 0171