Advancements in implant design and more careful patient selection have improved outcomes and longevity of shoulder replacement in recent years. More than 70,000 of these surgeries are done annually, making shoulder replacements the fastest growing joint replacement.
Regional anesthesia – specifically, interscalene blocks – have been advocated as an alternative to intravenous opioids to manage pain in patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. They’ve generally done a good job of providing analgesia. [1-3] The problem, as described by Thomas (Quin) Throckmorton, MD, during a presentation at ICJR’s 7th Annual Shoulder Course, is that interscalene blocks are associated with some pretty serious side effects, including respiratory side effects similar to those associated with opioid use.
Recently published results showed a survival rate of 97.4% at 8 years with a specific reverse shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis.
BOSTON — According to a presenter at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, time had a significant impact on rotator cuff tear size progression from preoperative MRI-measured dimensions to dimensions taken at the time of repair.
