3D Patient-Specific Shoulder Implants

Stem cell therapy is a newer treatment option that’s giving people hope when they’re dealing with joint pain, arthritis, or injuries that just won’t heal. It uses your body’s own healing cells to help repair damaged tissue, ease pain, and improve movement.

At the office of Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, in Austin, Texas, we offer advanced treatments like stem cell therapy for orthopedic care. Dr. Szerlip is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon who helps patients understand all their options for recovery and long-term relief. Contact us today!

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What Patients Are Saying

“Got checked in and into my appointment on time. Dr. Szerlip was prompt and very informative, while allowing any questions I may have had to be addressed while explaining my condition. He explained both a rotator cuff repair and a replacement for me to choose what will be best for me. He wasn’t trying to pressure me to choose without looking at both options. He was very supportive of the procedure I decided on and very supportive.” — Dale C.

Understanding 3D Patient-Specific Shoulder Implants

3D patient-specific shoulder implants refer to customized shoulder replacement components designed to match your unique anatomy. Using three-dimensional shoulder CT scans, surgeons can generate a precise preoperative, specific surgical plan, helping mitigate the variability of bone shape, orientation, and joint position. This approach is used in both reverse shoulder arthroplasty (when rotator cuff issues demand a different joint mechanics) and shoulder arthroplasty more broadly.

By creating an anatomic guide based on your own scapula and humerus, surgeons can align implants for ideal mechanics and improved range of motion. In complex cases like severe glenoid bone loss or revision surgery, customized PSI (patient-specific instrumentation) with 3D templating plays a critical role in optimizing placement of the glenoid 3D printed shoulder replacement component, reducing guesswork during the operation.

The Pros of 3D Templating

The use of 3D templating in orthopedic surgery planning has several advantages:

1. Enhanced Clinical Accuracy

A major benefit of preoperative planning with patient-specific instrumentation is the exceptional precision. Customized guides ensure your glenoid baseplate and humeral implant align perfectly with your anatomy. For surgeons like Dr. Szerlip, this precision means fewer intraoperative adjustments, more confidence in alignment, and better long-term outcomes.

2. Optimized Implant Positioning

Because 3D templating allows designers to tailor the implant to your bone structure, alignment issues, such as tilt of the glenoid component, are minimized. This translates to better stability, better joint positioning, and enhanced range of motion post-surgery.

3. Reducing Surgical Time and Uncertainty

With a clear plan and a built-to-spec guide, surgery tends to be more streamlined. The technology makes the process smoother and removes uncertainty around where to position each component. This benefit is especially helpful in complex reconstruction or revision cases.

4. Personalized Fit in Diverse Cases

Every patient has a unique anatomy. Whether you’re dealing with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, glenoid bone loss, or a history of prior complex shoulder surgery, the 3D patient-specific shoulder implants ensure your treatment is truly tailored. Surgeons like Dr. Szerlip can better optimize both anatomic and reverse patient outcomes through customization.

5. Supporting Long-Term Success

Accurate placement reduces premature loosening, reduces stress on surrounding bone, and helps maintain implant longevity. Studies show better long-term patient-specific surgical outcomes, particularly in terms of stability and function, when using 3D-assisted planning for shoulder replacement.

The Cons: What Are the Negatives of 3D Preoperative Planning?

While the benefits are compelling, it’s important to consider the limitations of 3D patient-specific shoulder implants and 3D templating.

Increased Cost and Resource Needs: Personalizing shoulder arthroplasty patient-specific instrumentation adds costs. 3D imaging, design, and manufacturing can be more expensive than off-the-shelf alternatives. Not all patients or healthcare systems can bear these extra costs.
Time Delays in Scheduling: Because customized components must be designed and produced before surgery, this can delay scheduling, particularly for patients in pain or with functional limitations. If surgery must proceed quickly, standard implants may still be the faster option.
Technological Learning Curve: Surgeons must become accustomed to interpreting 3D data and integrating customized guides into their workflow. While surgeons based on augmented technology (i.e., using PSI) have streamlined this process, others may require additional training to maximize benefits.
Planning Doesn’t Guarantee Perfect Execution: Although PSI increases planning accuracy, surgical execution still depends on the patient’s positioning, the surgeon’s technique, and intraoperative factors. Unexpected challenges, such as poor bone quality or malpositioning of instruments, can still occur, regardless of precision in planning.
Limited Availability and Evidence: While promising, adoption of 3D patient-specific shoulder implants and templating remains limited mostly to specialized centers and academic settings. Though outcomes studies support its accuracy, long-term data on implant survival and patient satisfaction are still accumulating. Completely shifting to this approach depends on broader clinical validation.

Taking the Next Step with Personalized Shoulder Care

Embracing advanced tools like 3D patient-specific shoulder implants, patient-specific instrumentation, and careful preoperative planning represents a pivotal shift in shoulder replacement. The ability to tailor your humeral implant system and glenoid baseplate to your unique anatomy offers enhanced accuracy, improved range of motion, and potentially long-term outcomes.

At the practice of Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon in Austin, Texas, we’re committed to offering both anatomic and reverse arthroplasty options, tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re considering shoulder replacement or want to explore whether 3D planning can benefit your case, we’d be honored to help.

Ready to learn more? Contact Dr. Szerlip’s office in Austin today to schedule a consultation and determine if 3D templating and custom PSI are right for you.

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