Partial Shoulder Arthroplasty
Partial Shoulder Arthroplasty
Partial shoulder arthroplasty, also called shoulder hemiarthroplasty or partial shoulder replacement, is a surgical procedure where the upper bone in the arm (humerus) is replaced with a prosthetic metal implant, whereas the other half of the shoulder joint (glenoid or socket) is left intact.
Indications-
Trauma and Fracture: Older patients with severe osteoporosis (weak bones) who sustain proximal humerus fractures ( upper part of arm bone), where osteosynthesis( fixation of fractures with plates and screws) would not be successful. The advantage of hemiarthroplasty over fracture fixation here is early mobilisation and early recovery.
AVN (Avascular Necrosis) of the Humerus Head: A condition in which blood supply to the Humerus Head is blocked due to excessive alcohol intake over years, excessive corticosteroid use, radiation therapy, sickle cell anaemia, and cells of the bone dying, leading to bone collapse.
Arthritis: wear and tear of the shoulder joint with inadequate Glenoid bone stock. Arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage that allows smooth movement in the joints wears away, thereby causing the adjacent bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain and stiffness. In such conditions, replacement of the damaged portion of the humerus will reduce the friction as bone ends can no longer come into contact and thus relieve pain.
Tumour: a tumour involving the uppermost end of the humerus bone, destroying the bone architecture.