Shoulder Resurfacing

An Alternative to Joint Replacement

Joint resurfacing is an alternative to total joint replacement surgery. It is a surgical procedure that allows patients to retain much of their natural tissue, by replacing only the diseased part of the joint instead of the entire joint. This gradual approach to surgery means the patient may still be able to have a total joint replacement later if necessary.

The Resurfacing Humeral Head Implant is for patients with arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or humeral head fractures. It is an option for younger, more active patients who might otherwise postpone surgery.

About resurfacing

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint (see diagram below).

• The top of the humerus, the bone that connects the elbow and the shoulder, is the ball (head).
• The shoulder blade, or scapula, is the socket.

Resurfacing provides pain relief at an earlier stage of joint disease, while still making it possible to have a full shoulder replacement later if one becomes necessary. The implant is a more conservative option for younger patients because it spares the patients’ healthy tissue, replacing only the diseased tissue.

What are the components?

The implant is a single component made of cobalt chrome. The implant is specially designed to allow surgeons to retain as much of the patient’s healthy tissue and bone as possible. It attaches to the humeral head (the top of humerus or the “ball” of the ball-and-socket joint). The implant is secured by a short, metal stem that has an undersurface of porous coating. Orthopaedic implants are secured one of two ways, either with bone cement or by natural tissue growth. A cementless implant uses the patient’s natural tissue growth for fixation. The sandpaper-like porous coating allows the patient’s tissue to naturally grow onto the implant. Doctors call this biological tissue in-growth, or biological fixation.

Who is a candidate for resurfacing?

Resurfacing. is intended to repair arthritic damage and humeral head fractures, but not rotator cuff tears. The implant is not intended to be used in patients with local infections or poor bone quality. The implant. can be used for younger patients or patients who are at an early stage in their joint disease. Only an orthopaedic surgeon trained in shoulder injuries and shoulder joint replacement can determine whether resurfacing is right for you.