Who should consider non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty?
Joint replacement surgery is considered when: • the arthritis is a major problem for the patient, • the patient is sufficiently healthy to undergo the procedure, • the patient understands and accepts the risks and alternatives, • there is sufficient bone and tendon to permit the surgery, and • the surgeon is experienced in shoulder replacement surgery. What happens without surgery? The natural history of arthritis is that it usually continues to progress over time. The rate of progression varies between individuals and is unpredictable. Sometimes the pain and stiffness from shoulder arthritis will stabilize at a level that is acceptable and manageable to the patient. In general, this surgery is elective, and can be performed whenever the patient decides that the arthritis has become disabling enough to warrant treatment. Delaying surgery typically does not compromise the success of surgery in the future. However, in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, excessive delay may result in loss of t
