ANATOMIC TOTAL SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY

An anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty is a shoulder replacement surgery that maintains the “normal” or “anatomic” relationship of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder (glenohumeral joint).

It is a surgical option indicated as an option to treat advanced arthritis of the shoulder.

During the procedure, a small arthritic portion of the ball (humeral head) is cut and removed. This is replaced with a new smooth metal hemisphereical implant that is anchored into the bone (humerus). This can either be stemless fixation or a longer rod that is wedged into the humerus.

The arthritic socket (glenoid) is gently reamed down to a flatter surface to accept new plastic socket. This glenoid component is anchored into the bone with pegs that are often cemented.

In summary, both arthritic surfaces (the ball and the socket) are replaced with metal and plastic, respectively, to create a new joint that has smooth and painfree motion.

Shoulder arthroplasty is designed to treat glenohumeral osteoarthritis, or arthritis of the ball-and socket-joint in your shoulder.

Arthritis occurs when there is loss of cartilage on the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid). This causes pain, grinding, and restricted range of motion.

Age, activity level/demands, degree of arthritis, co-morbid medical conditions, integrity of the rotator cuff, and prior surgeries, are some important considerations to be a candidate for surgery.

For an anatomic TSA to work, you MUST have an intact rotator cuff (no tears).

The humeral head (ball) is typically made of a cobalt-chromium alloy.

The glenoid component (socket) is typically made of a highly cross linked polyethylene (plastic).

A good anatomic TSA should last 10-15 years, if not more, based on current literature.

There are a lot of controllable and uncontrollable variables that can affect longevity.