UW Health Orthopedic Surgeons Offer Range of Shoulder and Elbow Care
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Resurface or Replace?
MADISON - According to the Centers for Disease Prevention, more than 13 million people a year see a healthcare provider for shoulder or elbow pain in the United States. Work-related, sport-related, injury-related and more, that pain requires treatments ranging from a mild pain reliever and heat to the most sophisticated surgical techniques.
For a unique few, that may include shoulder or elbow resurfacing.
"Resurfacing has received a lot of attention over the past few years," says UW Health orthopedic surgeon Robert Ablove, MD. "It does have some interesting possibilities, but as with most procedures, it can't be universally applied to every patient. We need to examine each patient's specific situation to determine if resurfacing is an appropriate option."
Resurfacing is often considered an alternative to traditional joint replacement, a surgery the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports was performed more than a million times in 2005 alone.
For a unique few, that may include shoulder or elbow resurfacing.
"Resurfacing has received a lot of attention over the past few years," says UW Health orthopedic surgeon Robert Ablove, MD. "It does have some interesting possibilities, but as with most procedures, it can't be universally applied to every patient. We need to examine each patient's specific situation to determine if resurfacing is an appropriate option."
Resurfacing is often considered an alternative to traditional joint replacement, a surgery the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports was performed more than a million times in 2005 alone.
During shoulder replacement surgery, the upper joint of the humerus is removed and a metal prosthesis is inserted into the center of the arm bone. A metal cap is then secured to the top of the prosthesis, creating a smooth surface that fits into a plastic socket attached to the shoulder blade. In elbow replacement, the ends of the humerus and ulna are cut and fitted with implants that are hinged with a pin.
In resurfacing, surgeons grind the end of the damaged bone and attach the cap to the restored surface, preserving more of the bone in the event that additional surgery is needed later. Because resurfacing preserves more bone, the second surgery may be easier and more effective.
In resurfacing, surgeons grind the end of the damaged bone and attach the cap to the restored surface, preserving more of the bone in the event that additional surgery is needed later. Because resurfacing preserves more bone, the second surgery may be easier and more effective.
Easier and effective do not automatically translate into a faster and less painful recovery, Dr. Ablove notes.
"While shoulder resurfacing may involve less bone removal, surgeons still have to perform the same invasive procedure to reach the affected area," Dr. Ablove says. "Recovery time is also nearly the same, usually around six months."
Patients under the age of 50 with arthritic damage or humeral head fractures are better candidates for resurfacing. The resurfacing preserves more original bone for a subsequent joint replacement, should it become necessary, later in life.
Dr. Ablove suggests early referral for patients with elbow or shoulder pain, especially for younger patients, not only because resurfacing is more effective when joint disease is detected in its early stages, but also to give patients time to consider the range of medical options to address their pain and restore their quality of life.
"Overall, resurfacing is a possibility for a small percentage of people with shoulder or elbow problems requiring surgery," Dr. Ablove says. "Each patient's situation is unique and individual assessment and consultation with the patient helps us together to find the best solution for his or her needs."
For more information about joint replacement surgery at UW Health, call the OrthoAccess line at (888) 978-4611.
"While shoulder resurfacing may involve less bone removal, surgeons still have to perform the same invasive procedure to reach the affected area," Dr. Ablove says. "Recovery time is also nearly the same, usually around six months."
Patients under the age of 50 with arthritic damage or humeral head fractures are better candidates for resurfacing. The resurfacing preserves more original bone for a subsequent joint replacement, should it become necessary, later in life.
Dr. Ablove suggests early referral for patients with elbow or shoulder pain, especially for younger patients, not only because resurfacing is more effective when joint disease is detected in its early stages, but also to give patients time to consider the range of medical options to address their pain and restore their quality of life.
"Overall, resurfacing is a possibility for a small percentage of people with shoulder or elbow problems requiring surgery," Dr. Ablove says. "Each patient's situation is unique and individual assessment and consultation with the patient helps us together to find the best solution for his or her needs."
For more information about joint replacement surgery at UW Health, call the OrthoAccess line at (888) 978-4611.
Date published: 4/28/2008
