The ream and run - the shoulder joint replacement for active individuals.

The ream and run shoulder arthroplasty is an established shoulder replacement procedure for active individuals with disabling shoulder arthritis (see this link). In this procedure the rough arthritic joint surface of the humerus is replaced with a securely fixed, smooth metal implant, while the irregular arthritic glenoid socket is conservatively reamed to a smooth concavity (see this link).

This procedure is an option for active individuals who wish to avoid the risks and limitations associated with the plastic socket used in conventional total shoulder replacement. It is useful in addressing severe arthritis in the shoulders of young individuals, including those having failed prior shoulder surgery. 

Below are the preoperative x-rays from a 40 year old athlete showing displacement of the humeral head on the glenoid, severe arthritis and retained hardware from a previous operation.

As is our practice, the ream and run is performed without preoperative MRI or CT scans, preoperative 3-D planning, intraoperative navigation, augmented reality, cement, plastic, ingrowth component, or nerve block -  making it a cost-effective procedure.

His postoperative x-rays are shown below

This man was vigorous in his rehabilitation. Here's his assisted motion the morning after surgery.

He pursued his dedicated rehabilitation. He shared this video at five months after surgery

Recently he reported: "16 months post ream and run and I can play basketball again. Able to shoot long range 3-pointers, dribble, make hook shots and do a chest pass with no problem. My shoulder hasn’t felt this good in 25 yrs." He kindly gave us permission to share this recent video

Results such as this do not come automatically after the ream and run, but rather result from dedicated, persistent adherence to the defined rehabilitation program (see this link). Patients must "do the work".

Patients provide frequent followup to their surgeon with videos such as those shown below for two patients in the first two weeks after their ream and run procedures (shared with their permission).

Comment: A successful outcome after a ream and run procedure depends on four things:

(1) informed selection of the right procedure for the right patient

(2) excellent surgical technique 

(3) patient dedication to the rehabilitation program

(4) frequent communication between the surgeon and the patient during the recovery.

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Here are some videos that are of shoulder interest
Shoulder arthritis - what you need to know (see this link).
How to x-ray the shoulder (see this link).
The ream and run procedure (see this link).
The total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).
The cuff tear arthropathy arthroplasty (see this link).
The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).
The smooth and move procedure for irreparable rotator cuff tears (see this link).
Shoulder rehabilitation exercises (see this link).