Our shoulder joints have three main bones: the collarbone (clavicle), the shoulder blade (scapula) and the upper arm bone (humerus). The glenoid (part of the scapula) and humeral head (part of the humerus) are normally the parts of the shoulder that have to be replaced because they rub together when you move your arm.
In a healthy shoulder, these portions of bone are covered with cartilage, which enables painless motion for lifting, pushing and pulling. Arthritis can damage this protective cartilage making these motions painful.
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that causes wear and tear to your joint cartilage and develops after years of constant motion and pressure on the joints. If non-surgical treatment options such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes fail to provide relief, your surgeon may recommend shoulder replacement surgery.
Shoulder replacement surgery replaces the damaged part of your shoulder to recreate the natural contours of the bones in a healthy shoulder.
Dr. Todd Twiss is now using a new technology for total shoulder replacements in the area – ExactechGPS® guided personalized surgery is the latest advancement in technology that provides surgeons with real-time visual guidance and alignment data in shoulder replacement surgery. Freeman is the first facility in the state to utilize ExactechGPS.
ExactechGPS pairs surgeon expertise with an advanced computer system to perform the patient’s shoulder surgery with a goal of improved accuracy and precision.