Arthroplasty: Anatomic and Reverse
Shoulder arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint. There are two main types of shoulder arthroplasty: anatomic and reverse.
Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty:
Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty is typically performed in patients with a functioning rotator cuff. During the surgery, the damaged ball-and-socket joint is replaced with an artificial joint that closely matches the anatomy of the shoulder joint. This type of arthroplasty is most commonly performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a traumatic injury to the shoulder joint.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty:
Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is typically performed in patients with a rotator cuff tear or other shoulder joint conditions that prevent normal shoulder function. During the surgery, the positions of the ball and socket are reversed, meaning the ball-shaped end of the humerus bone is replaced with a socket-shaped implant, and the socket-shaped end of the scapula bone is replaced with a ball-shaped implant. This reversal of the shoulder joint mechanics allows for the use of the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff to power the arm. This type of arthroplasty is most commonly performed to relieve pain and improve function in patients with cuff tear arthropathy or a massive rotator cuff tear.
Which Type is Right for You?
The decision to undergo anatomic versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, the cause of the shoulder condition, the extent of the damage, and the patient’s functional goals. Dr. Lovy will evaluate your individual situation and make a recommendation based on your unique needs.
Both types of shoulder arthroplasty have been shown to be safe and effective in the appropriate patient population. However, it is important to have realistic expectations for your outcome and to follow post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
Additional information on shoulder arthroplasty can be found here (link https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-joint-replacement/)
Rotator Cuff Tear
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to repair a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place and allow for shoulder movement.
During the arthroscopic procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the shoulder joint through a small incision. The camera allows the surgeon to visualize the inside of the shoulder joint on a monitor and to guide the surgical instruments. The torn rotator cuff is then repaired using small anchors that are inserted into the bone and sutures that are used to reattach the torn tendon to the bone.
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has several benefits over traditional open surgery, including:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Faster recovery time
Reduced risk of complications such as infection or nerve damage
Recovery from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair typically involves a period of immobilization in a sling followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength in the shoulder. The length of recovery time varies depending on the extent of the tear and the patient’s individual healing process.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, Dr. Lovy can help you evaluate whether arthroscopic rotator cuff repair may be a good option for you. Dr. Lovy can help you weigh the risks and benefits of surgery and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
Plasma Rich Protein Therapy
If you’re experiencing musculoskeletal injuries in the upper extremity, you may be a candidate for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is a non-surgical treatment option that uses your own blood to promote healing in injured tissues.
PRP works by extracting a small amount of blood from your body and separating the platelets from the rest of the blood cells. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the injured area, where they release growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and promote healing.
PRP therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of musculoskeletal injuries in the upper extremity, including tendonitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and joint pain or arthritis.
While PRP therapy can be a promising treatment option, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the outcomes. Results can vary depending on the extent and severity of the injury, as well as other factors such as age and overall health.
In some cases, patients may experience significant improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of treatment. In other cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
If you’re considering PRP therapy for musculoskeletal injuries in the upper extremity, it’s important to find a skilled and experienced healthcare provider who specializes in this type of treatment. Our team of experts has years of experience performing PRP therapy and we’re committed to helping our patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how PRP therapy can help promote healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity.