Mark E. McKenna, M.D.

Shoulder arthritis: Ream and Run Joint Replacement

The Ream and Run procedure is a type of surgical joint replacement for highly-motivated, active individuals with shoulder arthritis who wish to avoid the potential risks and activity limitations associated with the plastic socket used in traditional total shoulder replacement.

In the ream and run surgery, the arthritic humeral head (ball of the shoulder’s ball and socket joint) is replaced by a smooth chrome cobalt prosthesis fixed to the humerus (arm bone) by a titanium stem. The bone of the arthritic socket is reamed to the desired shape and the raw bone surface is allowed to heal while the patient gently exercises the shoulder. During the period of recovery, a biological surface forms on this surface. Success requires technical excellence of the surgery and a steadfast commitment by the patient to a specific exercise and rehabilitation program.

Dr. McKenna is one of the few physicians technically trained to consistently produce a well-done ream and run procedure. With this procedure, followed by a dedicated rehabilitation effort on the part of the patient, a substantial improvement in shoulder comfort and function can be achieved, enabling you to return to activities without surgeon-imposed, long-term limitations, and without concern for failure of a plastic glenoid socket replacement.