Computer guided personalised shoulder replacements come to Tunbridge Wells

Mr Rose and his team at the Spire Tunbridge Wells carried out Tunbridge Wells’ first computer navigated shoulder replacement this month, using the Exactech Equinoxe GPS system. This system allows incredibly accurate positioning of shoulder replacement components, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient outcomes. This case was a reverse total shoulder replacement using the GPS system. The patient had undergone a CT scan prior to the surgery and a 3D computer model generated. Mr Rose was then able to position the components on the 3D model in order to best fit the patient’s anatomy. During the surgery markers were attached to a part of the patients shoulder and a camera attached to the side of the operating table. This allowed real time comparison between the 3D model generated by the scan and the patients anatomy. The instruments were then guided in real time. The shoulder replacement was then implanted within 1mm and 1 degree of the pre-operative plan. This represents a significant step forward in technology, as prior to this patient specific guides had to be made to order for difficult cases and did not always fit the anatomy very well due to delay in processing and manufacturing of the guides. The present system however offers unbeatable accuracy and consistency, enabling the surgeon to position the components to match the plan every time.

Mr Rose says “this is a game changer for my practice; the consistency and accuracy of this system is outstanding. Some shoulders can have significant bone loss making accurate component positioning challenging. This system allows me to guarantee optimal positioning even in the most challenging anatomy. I am confident the use of this system will lead to better outcomes for my patients.”

David Rose

Consultant Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgeon MBBS FRCS (Tr.& Orth.)