The first recorded shoulder replacement was performed in Paris in the mid 1700’s by a “barber-surgeon” utilizing a glass mold over the top of the humerus.  This was done to treat a shoulder infected by tuberculosis.  As you might imagine, this did not achieve the results that we expect for our patients today.  As technology and surgical materials advanced, shoulder replacement became more reliable.  Dr. Charles Neer, born in Vinita Oklahoma, is credited as the father of modern shoulder replacement.  His design sought to recreate the anatomy of the shoulder and certainly improved the quality of life of countless patients.  But those early designs were generally paired with large exposures and significant soft tissue dissection.  Durability and overall range of motion were lacking.   This led surgeons and engineers to pursue more durable materials and techniques to improve longevity and improve function.  Recent advances in technology have made it possible to use imaging data to create 3D models of a patients shoulder prior to surgery.  This is where Blueprint come in.  Several weeks prior to a planned surgery, a CT scan will be performed on the shoulder.  The data form the scan will be used to create a 3D model of the shoulder.  Computer planning software allows us to virtually perform the surgery on that model.  This ability to essentially do the surgery before we get to the OR is a significant advantage to both the surgeon and the patient.  Most patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery will have some bony defects secondary to the arthritis or lack of rotator cuff.  These defects can be identified and planned for in 3D prior to every getting to the hospital.  Many defects require augments to reproduce appropriate anatomy and provide appropriate fixation to bone, and some even require special implants to be custom milled to achieve best results.  Further more, fixation of implants to bone is what defines longevity.  Being able to more accurately place our implants should impart longer life to the implanted parts, and reduce need for revision surgery. 

Blueprint planning services, unfortunately, are not covered by insurance.  There is a $900 fee for getting the plans made, planning the case in the Blueprint software, and subsequent implementation of the plan at time of surgery.  We are able to get most insurance companies to cover the cost of the CT scan prior to surgery. 

If you are considering shoulder replacement surgery, we hope you consider using Blueprint.  We believe it is our best option for helping you achieve the best results.