She underwent shoulder endoprosthesis here, which helped restore arm function and make daily tasks easier, according to a press release from Kaunas Clinics.
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Professor Alfredas Smailys, head of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, notes that the clinic constantly strives for the highest level of service, so special attention is paid to a thorough examination of the patient’s condition, careful analysis, and individual selection of the treatment method. “Using modern technologies, we can assess each patient’s situation even more accurately and choose the optimal treatment solution. This individual approach allows us to achieve better treatment results and, most importantly, help patients regain their quality of life,” says Prof. A. Smailys.
Vladzė recounts that shoulder pain accompanied even the simplest daily activities – eating, combing her hair, or dressing. After the first surgery, she did not notice significant improvement. Upon consulting doctors again, she was advised to wait and monitor the shoulder condition, but the situation did not change. “I could still lift my arm up to my ear, but not higher,” the patient recalls. Eventually, she turned to specialists at Kaunas Clinics, who offered a treatment solution tailored to her individual situation.
Vladzė underwent shoulder endoprosthesis using a reverse shoulder implant. This is a special implant that helps restore shoulder function in cases of complex fractures. According to Augustinas Rimkūnas, orthopedic traumatologist at Kaunas Clinics Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic, this treatment method was the most suitable solution to restore the patient’s arm function.
“In the patient’s case, the reverse shoulder implant was the best solution to restore arm function. We had two options – either accept that the arm would not fully recover or perform surgery using the implant. We chose the solution that gave the patient the greatest chance to regain normal arm mobility,” says the doctor.
One of the most important stages of successful treatment, A. Rimkūnas identifies, is thorough preparation for surgery. “At Kaunas Clinics, each surgery is planned individually using innovative 3D models. They allow precise assessment of the patient’s anatomical features and selection of the most suitable implant,” he states.
During the surgery, the implant is attached to the scapula and humerus bone. According to the doctor, meticulous planning, mechanical fixation, and the porous surface of the implant allow it to firmly integrate with the bone and restore shoulder stability. This enables the patient to move the arm freely again.
Although patients often worry about the expected recovery period, the doctor reassures that healing begins quite quickly. “Already the day after surgery, the patient can use the arm for eating, reading, or writing. A brace is worn for two weeks, and rehabilitation begins after a month. Initial recovery usually takes about two months, although some patients recover even faster,” says A. Rimkūnas.
According to the doctor, the reverse shoulder implant is most often chosen for treating complex humerus fractures when there are large bone defects or when conventional fixation alone is insufficient for successful bone healing.
“Interestingly, reverse implants were initially used to treat tendon tears, and today they are successfully applied in complex fracture cases as well,” explains the doctor.
According to A. Rimkūnas, in the case of a humerus fracture, it is not enough to just fix the bone with a plate or another implant. Successful healing requires restoring the tubercles with tendons – this is what allows performing daily movements after surgery, such as combing hair or reaching the arm behind the back.
“Not all patients regain full shoulder function after repeat surgery, so it is very important to consult a shoulder joint specialist in time. By assessing the specific situation, all treatment options can be discussed and the most suitable solution chosen,” emphasizes the doctor.
After the surgery, Vladzė’s quality of life significantly improved. “Until then, the pain was constant – day and night. After the treatment, I can do much more, and my condition improves every day. Today, I can again perform daily tasks without major difficulties, move more freely, and enjoy a more active life,” the patient rejoices.
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