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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureTechnical detailsAnesthetic Length of non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplastyRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Ream and Run non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty for shoulder arthritis: Regenerative cementless surgery designed for individuals desiring higher levels of activity than recommended for traditional total joint replacement.

Edited By: Winston J. Warme, MD, Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Tuesday, May 13, 2008

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Figure 10 - Axillary incision
Figure 10 - Axillary incision

Figure 11 - Humeral cut
Figure 11 - Humeral cut

Figure 12 - Arthritic glenoid
Figure 12 - Arthritic glenoid

Figure 13 - Arthritic glenoid after it has been reamed
Figure 13 - Arthritic glenoid after it has been reamed

About the procedure

What are the technical details of non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty for arthritis of the shoulder? What is actually done?

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty with non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty is a highly technical procedure; each step plays a critical role in the outcome.

After the anesthetic has been administered and the shoulder is prepared, an incision is made across the front of the shoulder from the middle of the collarbone to the middle of the arm bone as shown in Figure 10. This incision allows access to the joint without damaging the important deltoid or pectoralis muscles that are responsible for a significant portion of the shoulder's power.

The muscles and other tissues near the shoulder are mobilized by removing any scar tissue that may restrict their motion. The tendon of the subscapularis muscle is cut to gain access to the joint and released circumferentially (a 360-degree release) to restore its length and mobility. Figure 11 shows where the arthritic humeral head (ball of the joint) is removed. The bone spurs are removed to prepare the bone for the humeral prosthesis.

The humeral implant is chosen by trialing different sizes and selecting the one that best matches the patient's anatomy and best restores the muscle balance in the joint without making the joint too tight or too loose. The arthritic glenoid is then refinished using a special spherical reamer. This reaming process corrects the shape and orientation of the socket, both of which are affected by shoulder arthritis. The curvature of the reamer nearly matches that of the humeral ball and this matching surface allows smooth and stable rotation of the ball in the socket. Figure 12 shows the arthritic glenoid and figure 13 shows the glenoid after it has been reamed.

In this procedure, the glenoid shape and orientation are corrected, but a glenoid prosthesis is not inserted. Once the reaming process is completed, the final humeral component is inserted. The subscapularis tendon is then carefully repaired and closure of the muscle and skin layers completes the procedure. A drain is placed which is removed on the second morning after surgery. This prevents blood from collecting in the wound.

What is the typical anesthetic used for non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty for arthritis of the shoulder?

Shoulder replacement surgery may be performed under a general anesthetic or under a brachial plexus nerve block. A brachial plexus block can provide anesthesia for several hours after the surgery. The patient may wish to discuss their preferences with the anesthesiologist before surgery.

How long does non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty for arthritis of the shoulder usually take?

The procedure usually takes approximately two hours, however the preoperative preparation and the postoperative recovery may add several hours to this time. Patients often spend two hours in the recovery room and two to four days in the hospital after surgery.

Surgery for Arthritis of the Shoulder at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.


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