Arthrex Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) IOT Practice Test

Hemiarthroplasty is a viable alternative procedure when Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) is not deemed appropriate. This procedure involves replacing only the humeral head (the ball part of the shoulder joint) while retaining the glenoid (the socket part). It may be indicated in cases of severe humeral head arthritis, fractures, or when there is a lack of sufficient glenoid bone stock for a full shoulder replacement.

Hemiarthroplasty can effectively relieve pain and improve function for patients who have limited glenohumeral joint issues or who are not suitable candidates for a complete arthroplasty due to conditions such as advanced bone loss or infection. This approach provides a simpler and less invasive surgical option while still allowing for a meaningful improvement in a patient's quality of life.

Other procedures like shoulder arthroscopy or rotator cuff repair may address different issues, such as repairing soft tissue injuries or removing loose bodies, but they do not provide the same level of joint replacement that patients with severe joint arthritis might require. Complete shoulder replacement, while similar to TSA, is not considered an alternative when TSA is specifically indicated as it refers to the same procedure.