Shoulder pain and limited mobility can significantly impact one’s quality of life, hindering daily activities and diminishing overall well-being. We now offer two new state-of-the-art technologies to help patients in need of the most common surgical interventions for severe shoulder conditions: rotator cuff repair and shoulder replacement surgery.
- Balloon arthroplasty presents a new option for patients suffering from rotator cuff tears that are unrepairable. This minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure involves a much shorter operative time than shoulder replacement surgery – only 30-45 minutes – as well as a relatively easy recovery period and demonstrated early pain relief. During the procedure, a biodegradable surgical balloon is inserted between the upper arm bone and shoulder bone, working to reduce pain and mobility issues associated with the bones rubbing together.
- For patients needing a total shoulder replacement, we can now use diagnostic CT imaging not only to plan out the surgery itself, but also to inform building a 3D-printed shoulder implant specifically designed to fit each patient. This patient-matched approach allows us to develop a perfectly correct implant – leading to better range of motion and overall results. We perform the CT imaging onsite at Exeter Hospital and coordinate development and delivery of the custom implant prior to surgery.
Both of these new technologies are valuable options for many of our patients currently suffering from shoulder issues and reduced functionality – whether from chronic arthritis or injury – and will help them to improve lifestyles with pain relief.
It’s important to note that with both procedures, follow-up care including both in-office and at-home physical therapy are crucial to outcome and long-term results.
For more information please call Core Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 603-777-1000 or request an orthopedic appointment.
Dr. Clerk is a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Core Orthopedics, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health. He serves as a U.S. Ski Team Physician and Seacoast United’s Head Team Physician, and has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Orthopedic Surgery by NH Magazine every year since 2015.