If you live with chronic shoulder pain, there are many strategies you can use to ease your suffering. For example, you may have tried things like medications, steroid injections, stretches and exercises, formal physical therapy, or lifestyle changes to find relief. However, these options do not work for everyone, and if you have already exhausted them, you might be considering shoulder replacement surgery.
Since shoulder replacement surgery is a major procedure, you might be hesitant to consider this option. However, Dr. Kelly uses cutting edge techniques, such as Exactech GPS, to plan and execute surgeries in the most precise and individualized manner possible.
Understanding Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint made up of the rounded top of the arm bone (the “ball”) and the socket portion of your shoulder blade. During the shoulder replacement procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your joint, like bones and cartilage, and replace them with metal and plastic implants. This surgery is called shoulder arthroplasty. The surgery can be a partial or total replacement depending on what part(s) of the joint are damaged.
What is Exactech GPS?
Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons use x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to complete surgical planning. These tools allow surgeons to visualize your anatomy and determine the best course of action before actually performing the surgery. Exactech GPS provides a way to utilize these traditional imaging tools during the actual surgical procedure.
Exactech GPS is a computer-assisted technology that generates precise graphics, which allow surgeons to plan your surgery based upon your unique anatomy to garner the best results possible. Exactech GPS is then used during the surgery to translate the pre-surgical plan to the final surgical result. In comparison with other forms of surgical planning technology, Exactech GPS is more precise and comprehensive.
How Does Exactech GPS Work?
Before your surgery, a pre-surgical CT scan is obtained and uploaded to the Exactech GPS program. This information is then displayed on the screen in the form of images and precise measurements that create a 3-D model of your joint. Your surgeon is then able to go through a virtual simulation of the surgical plan including the sizes, positioning, and predicted range of motion of the replacement using this individualized model.
When it is time for surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will use this plan to perform your joint replacement as precisely as possible. Exactech GPS has 3 main components: the computer screen, the trackers, and the surgical tools. Your surgeon will place trackers on your bone that collect data about your bone structure that is correlated back to the pre-surgical CT scan and plan. They will know exactly what parts of your joint are damaged and need to be removed, and they will be able to place the implants precisely where they need to be.
Is Exactech Guided Shoulder Surgery Right for You?
Exactech GPS surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions affecting your shoulder joint, including arthritis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, chronic shoulder instability, and others. This system has been proven to allow for incredibly precise joint replacement surgeries and improved outcomes for patients.
The best way to learn if this technology could be right for you is to speak to an orthopaedist. Dr. Brian Kelly and his team are dedicated to relieving your pain and restoring the function to your joints so that you can live your life to the fullest.
Whether or not surgery is right for you, Dr. Kelly can provide you with the care you deserve for shoulder, elbow, and knee conditions to comprehensive sports medicine care. Schedule an appointment today!
Dr. Brian Kelly, MD. is an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor experienced in treating a variety of injuries. Dr. Kelly and his expert team of physicians will make sure that you get the treatment you need to get back in the game. If you have sustained an orthopaedic injury, schedule an appointment at the offices of Dr. Kelly today.
