Dr. Jason Hurst
Knee, Shoulder
If you’re suffering from shoulder pain or a shoulder injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!
“I was examined by JIS about my left shoulder that needed replaced. Very informative and told me things my local orthopedic doctor never mentioned. After discussing the limitations with a replacement, we are just going to manage my pain until I retire and become less active. Very honest and up front with me.” — Donald C.
When shoulders develop severe arthritis, range of motion decreases and the ability to perform many daily activities becomes limited. Shoulder injections and therapy can temporarily help arthritis symptoms, but some patients may require a shoulder replacement to regain their function and independence. Shoulder replacements are the fastest growing subset of replacements in the US. Since 2009, JIS Orthopedics has been intimately involved in the development of total shoulder implants, patient-specific techniques, and post-operative recovery protocols.
The traditional or “anatomic” replacement involves reconstructing the shoulder joint in a manner similar to the normal anatomy. This includes a ball-like implant on the humerus and a socket-like implant on the glenoid. For an anatomic replacement to function normally, the rotator cuff must be intact and pre-operative motion must be acceptable.
In patients with shoulder arthritis who have a torn, irreparable rotator cuff tear or severe joint destruction, a reverse total shoulder replacement is needed. This type of procedure allows for the larger deltoid muscle to take over some of the function of the deficient rotator cuff and the reverse implant has more rigid materials for poor bone quality patients. Reverse total shoulder replacement is becoming more common in the US and has a great track record. The procedure places a ball-like implant on the socket of the shoulder and cup on top of the humerus. Therefore, the anatomy is “reversed” in order to keep the ball and socket together with more stability.
Since 2015, less invasive “stemless” shoulder implants have become available after many years of success in Europe. These “stemless” implants do not penetrate deep into the humerus and are bone preserving. Not every patient is a candidate for these implants, and they cannot be used with the “reverse” total shoulder replacement. At JIS Orthopedics, we all believe in minimally invasive surgery and will use the least invasive implant possible for a successful long-lasting outcome.
One of the most exciting developments in total shoulder replacements has been the utilization of patient-specific techniques to improve position of the replacement. In this scenario, a pre-operative CT scan is used to create a patient-specific “guide” that helps the surgeon place the shoulder implant in the perfect position for the patient. The theory is that better replacement position may lead to better function and longer implant survival. Not every patient is a candidate for this technology, but your surgeon will evaluate you for all options that will lead to improved outcomes and implant longevity, including patient-specific technology like this. JIS Orthopedics was the first practice in the US to use this technology and was integral in its development.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our shoulder experts to talk discuss if this surgery is the right option for you. It’s our goal to help you live without limits!
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