The Future of Total Shoulder Replacement at Jupiter Medical Center

By Dr. Ryan Simovitch, MD, Board-certified orthopedic surgeon

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than four million people in the United States seek medical care each year for shoulder sprain, strain, dislocation, or other problems. Each year, shoulder problems account for approximately 1.5 million visits to orthopedic surgeons.

The shoulder joint is the third most frequently replaced joint after the hip and knee. Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) results from wear and tear to the joint cartilage and develops after years of constant motion and pressure on the joints. As the cartilage continues to wear, the joint becomes inflamed and can result in unbearable pain and decreased range of motion. Total shoulder replacement is an effective treatment for patients when non-surgical options no longer provide relief.

The Anderson Family Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center is proud to offer patients total shoulder replacement with a rotator cuff sparing technique. This leading-edge procedure allows orthopedic surgeons to use modified instruments and techniques to leave the rotator cuff intact and utilize a small window between the rotator cuff tendons. This eliminates the need for a sling beyond a few days post-operatively, and can significantly shorten the necessary time for rehab and decrease the risk of non-healing tendons or dysfunction.

In conventional shoulder replacements, the subscapularis tendon (one of the four rotator cuff tendons) is temporarily released from the humerus to gain access to the shoulder joint. Once the procedure is complete, the subscapularis is reattached through a variety of techniques, and graduated rehabilitation begins. The main goal of the early post-operative phase is to protect the subscapularis to allow for healing. If adequate healing is not achieved, consequences may include reduced functionality, limited range of motion, pain, scar-tissue buildup and stiff shoulder. Total shoulder replacement through a rotator cuff sparing technique eliminates the risk of these consequences occurring.

Initial treatment for shoulder conditions begins with a comprehensive evaluation. To find out if you are a candidate for total shoulder replacement with a rotator cuff sparing technique, consult with your orthopedic physician to determine the best option for you.

The Anderson Family Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence, certified by the Joint Commission for Total Joint Replacement for Hips, Knees and Shoulders, features all private patient rooms, a dedicated orthopedic and spine clinical coordinator, pre-operative patient educational classes, rehabilitation and pain management specialists, and the latest advances in joint replacement surgery. For more information, visit jupitermedorthospine.com or call (561) 263-3633.

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The Future of Total Shoulder Replacement at Jupiter Medical Center