Navigated & Robotic-Assisted Shoulder Replacement

Overview

Placing shoulder replacement components in the right position matters for how well the shoulder moves and how long the implant lasts. Shoulder anatomy varies widely, especially when arthritis has worn away bone from the socket.

Technology-assisted shoulder replacement starts with a CT scan used to build a 3D model of your shoulder and plan the size, position and angle of each implant before surgery. During surgery, computer-assisted navigation tracks instruments in real time so the plan can be carried out precisely, and robotic and mixed-reality tools can further guide the bone preparation.

Studies show these tools improve the accuracy of implant placement, particularly in shoulders with significant bone loss. Research on whether that translates into better long-term outcomes is ongoing, and Dr. Joshi's own research focuses on shoulder replacement planning and navigation.

Benefits

• Detailed 3D planning for each shoulder
• More accurate implant positioning, especially with bone loss
• Helpful for complex anatomy and revision cases

Who is a Candidate?

Navigation & Robotics may be appropriate for patients who meet certain criteria. Ideal candidates include:

• Patients undergoing anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement
• Shoulders with significant glenoid bone loss or deformity
• Complex primary and revision replacements

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery is the same as for standard anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement. The technology changes how the operation is planned and performed, not the rehabilitation.