This chapter reviews the anesthesia used for shoulder replacement surgery. Additionally, proper patient positioning and surgical preparation and draping are described. Anesthesia Provided that no contraindication exists, all of our shoulder arthroplasty patients undergo a preoperative interscalene block administered in…
This chapter outlines the organization of the operating room used for shoulder arthroplasty. Organization of the arthroplasty surgical suite focuses on the correct position of equipment, staff, and lights. In addition, all necessary surgical instrumentation must be available. Operating Room…
Shoulder arthroplasty is much less frequently performed than hip and knee arthroplasty; it accounts for only 7.5% of inpatient joint replacements in the United States, largely because hip and knee arthrosis is much more common than glenohumeral arthrosis. Additionally, patients…
First Shoulder Arthroplasty Although Jules Emile Péan is credited with performing the first shoulder arthroplasty, it was probably Themistocles Gluck who first recognized prosthetic replacement as a potential treatment option in the shoulder. Gluck, a Romanian who studied in Germany…
After patients have had surgery, we prefer to instruct them in a home rehabilitation program without the aid of a physical therapist. This assures us that the exercises are appropriate and the patient is less likely to be confused by…
Ultrasound (US) is an excellent imaging modality to diagnose rotator cuff and biceps disorders, but it is by no means the perfect imaging modality for the shoulder. However, there are several other shoulder imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging…
Arthroscopic techniques are rarely used in the treatment of shoulder fractures. However, arthroscopy may be beneficial in some cases of greater tuberosity fracture, coracoid fracture, fracture of the glenoid rim, and displaced intra-articular humeral head malunion. These procedures can be…
One of the most painful acute conditions affecting the shoulder is calcific tendinitis. Patients experience a sudden, atraumatic onset of severe pain that is present at rest and increases with any shoulder movement. The pain is often severe enough to…
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint pathology can be divided into conditions that cause pain or conditions of instability that may cause pain or compromise function. AC joint pain can be secondary to a specific injury, from repetitive minor trauma, or as part…
The biggest problem with the arthroscopic treatment of massive rotator cuff tears is the possibility of misdiagnosis. Often, a massive tear is retracted and appears irreparable, but after soft tissue release, the defect is partially or completely reparable. On the…