Partial head replacement, also known as partial shoulder replacement or hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace only the damaged part of the shoulder joint, typically the humeral head, while preserving the remaining structures of the joint. This procedure is commonly indicated for patients with severe shoulder arthritis, fractures, or other conditions affecting the humeral head that do not involve the entire joint.
This surgery is usually recommended for individuals who experience significant pain and loss of function in the shoulder due to degeneration or injury, but still have healthy parts of the joint that can be preserved. By focusing on the damaged portion, partial head replacement can lead to faster recovery and less disruption to surrounding tissues compared to total shoulder replacement.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged humeral head and replaces it with a prosthetic implant. The steps involved in partial head replacement generally include:
Partial head replacement is an effective solution for patients with localized shoulder damage, enabling them to regain mobility and alleviate pain while preserving the healthy components of their shoulder joint.
