Total shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment for advanced arthritis in an older patient. However, active patients under 50 benefit from an alternative intervention. If you’ve been struggling with chronic shoulder pain due to arthritis or injury and are looking for a less invasive option than traditional shoulder replacement surgery, arthroscopic biologic total shoulder resurfacing is worth considering.
Here at Advantage Orthopedics in Dublin, Ohio, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Thomas Joseph Kovack, DO provides this cutting-edge approach for a more natural way to manage joint deterioration and pain.
Arthroscopic biologic total shoulder resurfacing is a minimally invasive procedure designed to resurface the damaged cartilage in the shoulder joint with transplanted donor cartilage and bone.
It can treat degenerative shoulder conditions, such as osteoarthritis, without replacing the entire shoulder joint. Instead of using metal and plastic parts to replace damaged bone and cartilage, this technique preserves as much of your natural shoulder structure as possible.
During the procedure, Dr. Kovack uses a minimally invasive approach that involves small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery. The damaged cartilage is resurfaced using biologic materials, often taken from your own body, to create a smoother joint surface.
The goal is to reduce pain and improve mobility while maintaining the integrity of your natural shoulder joint. The procedure is often recommended for patients who are too young for traditional shoulder replacement.
Arthroscopic biologic shoulder resurfacing is ideal for people who have moderate to severe shoulder arthritis or joint degeneration, but want to delay or avoid total shoulder replacement. It’s particularly suited for younger, active individuals who aren’t ready for a traditional shoulder replacement. This approach may also be an option if you have:
It may not be a good fit if you have extensive bone loss, advanced arthritis with severe deformities, or have experienced previous shoulder injuries.
Arthroscopic biologic shoulder resurfacing enables Dr. Kovack to make smaller incisions, which means less tissue damage, a faster recovery time, and less postoperative pain.
Additionally, biologic materials are often used instead of metal or plastic implants, which helps to preserve more of your natural anatomy. For younger patients looking to maintain an active lifestyle, this approach is beneficial.
Additionally, using biologic materials means there’s less wear-and-tear over time compared to traditional artificial implants.
Arthroscopic biologic total shoulder resurfacing is an appropriate solution if you aren’t ready for a full shoulder replacement but need relief from constant shoulder pain. It’s important to explore all your options and have an in-depth conversation with our team to determine the most appropriate approach for you.
Contact us at Advantage Orthopedics to schedule a consultation, and start on the path to lasting relief from shoulder pain.
