Background & Initial Presentation
A 77-year-old right-hand-dominant male presented with severe, persistent left shoulder pain. Despite leading an active lifestyle, he found himself limited by constant discomfort and restricted mobility.
Prior to seeking specialized care, he underwent conservative non-surgical management—including physical therapy, oral NSAIDs, and therapeutic injections—none of which provided lasting relief.
Clinical Evaluation
Upon examination by Dr. Brian Badman at Central Indiana Orthopedics, physical metrics revealed:
- Physical Build: Thin male with normal build.
- Left Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM): Limited to 120° Forward Flexion (FF), 120° Abduction (ABD), and 30° External Rotation (ER).
- Joint Characteristics: Noticeable crepitance with resistance during motion.
- Cuff Strength: Measured at 4/5.
- Baseline Pain & Function Scores:
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain Score: 9/10 (Severe Pain).
- ASES Score: 30.
- Simple Shoulder Test (SST): 58.3.
Diagnostic Imaging & Surgical Planning
Standard X-rays and 3D CT Scans revealed significant glenohumeral joint degradation and structural erosion.
Using advanced Matchpoint 3D Analysis, Dr. Badman mapped the patient's unique anatomy:
- Glenoid Measurement Metrics: 12° natural superior inclination and 21° natural retroversion.
Treatment Plan:
The patient consented to inclusion in an IDE Stemless Study and was randomized to the stemless cohort on the day of surgery.
Surgical Execution
Dr. Badman performed a Stemless Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA) using the following specialized implants:
- 15° Augmented TT Baseplate with posterosuperior correction.
- 40 Eccentric All-Poly Glenosphere.
- Medium Short Lima Stemless Body.
- Repair of the Subscapularis tendon.
Immediate post-operative X-rays confirmed stable, precise placement of the stemless implants.
6-Month Post-Operative Outcomes & Recovery
At his 6-month follow-up evaluation, the patient demonstrated a remarkable transformation in both pain relief and functional mobility:
- VAS Pain Score: 0/10 (Complete pain resolution).
- ASES Score: 100/100 (Optimal functional recovery).
- Simple Shoulder Test (SST): 100/100.
- Active Range of Motion (ROM):
- Forward Flexion / External Rotation: 170° FF / 65° ER.
- Internal Rotation: Reaching comfortably to the L1 lumbar level behind his back.
Clinical video documentation shows the patient effortlessly raising his left arm fully overhead and reaching behind his back smoothly without pain or hesitation.
Conclusion
By utilizing advanced 3D planning and a stemless reverse shoulder arthroplasty technique, Dr. Brian Badman helped this active 77-year-old patient completely eliminate severe shoulder pain and restore full, high-level functional mobility.
- Surgical Team: Dr. Brian Badman | Central Indiana Orthopedics / Indy Shoulder
- Contact: 317-773-4301
