Biologic Total Shoulder Resurfacing

Glenohumeral (shoulder) arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones at the shoulder joint wears out. The shoulder is comprised of the glenoid (socket of the shoulder joint) and the humeral head (ball of the shoulder joint). The cartilage covering the glenoid and humeral head wears out from excessive joint loading over time or following injury.

Currently, the definitive treatment for shoulder arthritis is a total shoulder arthroplasty, in which the joint surfaces are replaced by metal and plastic components. However, there are new innovations under development, including biologic total shoulder resurfacing. While this surgery is not yet commonly available, there are several advantages to this procedure over the current TSA technique, including:
• A less invasive procedure
• Better restoration of original anatomy
• No need to cut rotator cuff muscles to gain access to the joint
• Procedure does not include dislocation of the joint
• Outpatient surgery (no hospital admission)