The Orthobullets Podcast Podiums⎪Shoulder & Elbow⎪Shoulder Arthroplasty Past, Present, and Future
Apr 20, 2025
William Levine, an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in shoulder arthroplasty, shares his insights from the 42nd Annual San Diego Shoulder Course. The discussion dives into the rich history of shoulder arthroplasty, including breakthrough innovations from the 1800s to modern-day advancements. Levine emphasizes the evolution of prosthetic designs, with a spotlight on the delta-3 prosthesis, and discusses the significance of custom tools and virtual surgery in preoperative planning. He also evaluates the cost-effectiveness of robotic assistance in improving surgical outcomes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Shoulder Arthroplasty Innovation
- Early shoulder arthroplasty began with disruptive innovation in the 1800s by pioneers like Gluck and Payon.
- The first modular prosthesis faced rejection despite its innovation, showing progress often meets resistance.
Neer’s Vitalium Hemiarthroplasty Story
- Dr. Charles Neer developed the first vitalium hemiarthroplasty after collaboration with engineers at Columbia University.
- This implant was initially designed for fractures but was later used for osteoarthritis with mixed results.
Grammont’s Reverse Shoulder Breakthrough
- The reverse shoulder arthroplasty design by Grammont in 1983 was hugely disruptive and addressed many failures of prior implants.
- Its medialized center of rotation and distalization concept redefined how reverse shoulders worked.