3D Printing AI Assistance in Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty, also known as shoulder replacement surgery, is a procedure where a damaged or arthritic shoulder joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic components. The goal is to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall shoulder function.

There are various types of shoulder replacement procedures

1. Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA): Replaces both the humeral head (ball) and glenoid (socket) with artificial components.

2. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA): Reverses the normal anatomy of the shoulder joint, replacing the glenoid with a ball and the humeral head with a socket. This is often used for severe arthritis, fractures, or rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

3.partial or Hemiarthroplasty: Replaces only the humeral head, without resurfacing the glenoid.

4. Resurfacing Arthroplasty: Covers the humeral head with a metal cap, without removing much bone.

5. Stemless Arthroplasty: A newer approach that replaces the humeral head without using a stem. A bone preserving procedure.

Some of the most common conditions treated by shoulder arthroplasty include:

1. Osteoarthritis: Age related wear and tear of the shoulder joint cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis causing joint pain, swelling, and deformity.

3. Avascular Necrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, leading to collapse of the shoulder joint.

4. Rotator Cuff Arthropathy: Severe rotator cuff tears leading to arthritis and joint damage.

5. Bone Tumours: Benign or malignant tumours affecting the shoulder joint.

6. Failed Previous Surgery: Failed shoulder surgeries, such as failed rotator cuff repairs.

7. Severe Shoulder Fractures: Complex fractures among elderly that cannot be treated with other methods.

These conditions can cause severe pain, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life. Shoulder arthroplasty can help alleviate symptoms and improve shoulder function.

Recent innovations in shoulder replacement surgery include

Stemless implants: These implants provide 3D reconstruction of the humeral head, recreating the humeral center of rotation
Short stem implants: Implants have shown improved clinical outcomes without component loosening.
Convertible platforms: Modular platform humeral stems can be converted from an anatomic TSA construct to a reverse TSA, reducing the complexity of revision shoulder arthroplasty.
Glenoid component innovations: Augmented glenoid components and InSet glenoid technology aim to address glenoid loosening and improve outcomes.
AI-powered preoperative planning: Shoulder Software Planning platform uses AI and machine learning tools to convert CT images into accurate 3D reconstructions of the shoulder anatomy, allowing for precise planning and improved outcomes.

In patients with severe deformities and complex pathologies We use this technology to create 3D printed modules and patient specific zigs to achive more accuracy and perfection during surgery and improve the outcomes.

Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment option for individuals suffering from severe shoulder pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, injury, or other conditions. While it's a major surgery, advances in technology and surgical techniques have made it safer and more successful.

If you're considering shoulder replacement surgery, consult with an Shoulder specialist to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition. Dr BANARJI BH is an specialist Shoulder surgeon at Sakra world hospital has helped several patients from india and abroad to relieve from shoulder pain and improve quality of life .