Arthroscopic management may be a viable alternative to total shoulder replacement for young, active primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis patients, according to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
"Total shoulder replacement is not ideal for young, high-demand patients with GHOA," the study's lead author and Vail, Colo.-based Steadman Clinic orthopedic surgeon Peter J. Millett, MD, said in a statement. "Instead, patients under 50 years old or select active patients up to age 65 with advanced GHOA who haven't experienced adequate relief from nonsurgical treatment may experience the greatest benefit from arthroscopic management."
Dr. Millett developed the Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management procedure, an arthroscopic approach to GHOA designed to preserve the shoulder joint, decrease pain and improve function. The minimally invasive CAM procedure removes mechanical irritants from the joint, "re-rounds" the humerus and decreases impingement on the adjacent nerves. Arthroscopic management may allow patients to delay or avoid arthroplasty and preserve the joint.