10/10/2024
At AZ Ortho we are at the forefront of technology and are willing and able to tackle complex cases that many surgeons would turn away.
Take this complex revision shoulder Arthroplasty for example.
This is a very interesting case that until very recently, we didn’t have many good options or answers for. This is a patient of mine that underwent a routine Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty by another surgeon. The patient then had a traumatic event and fractured the scapula and the glenoid, where the metal portion of the reverse (the glenosphere) attached. A decade ago this would have been a real dilemma for us and the patient. With the advent of 3D printing, we now have the tools necessary to be able to address this critical bone loss of the glenoid.
The patient underwent a second procedure to remove the metal from the scapula, and convert the humeral side to a hemiarthroplasty. We then had the patient undergo a simple CT scan after the bone grafting healed, and input the data into software to plan for the revision. This system is called Vault Reconstruction System. From this final data we can now 3D print metal to make up for that critical missing bone and restore the joint, allowing us to recreate a more normal anatomy and center of rotation of the shoulder, thus restoring function. You can see the final product in the following images.
If you’ve been let down or had poor results from a previous shoulder procedure, come seek a consultation with Dr. Enders to address any and all needs you may have for the shoulder including complex revisions!
