Proximal Humerus Fractures – Dr. Jones's first focus in clinical research. Today, our innovative shoulder replacement design represents a missing link in the treatment of this common injury in baby boomers, enabling improved restoration of function.
Historical perspective: The injuries shown (see "Gallery" Button - located below text) demonstrate severe fragmentation of the proximal humerus. Prior to the availability of CT imaging to clearly delineate fracture fragments, interpretation relied heavily on surgeon experience to reassemble and stabilize fragments using tools and implants adapted from other anatomic sites.
Today: Modern CT and MRI imaging, along with improved fixation devices such as locked nails and locking plates, have enabled more successful surgical treatments by reducing trauma and improving fracture stability. However, osteoporosis, rehabilitation forces, and delayed bone healing challenge fixation, and failure may occur during early arm use or after a fall. Individualized treatments are often necessary but cumbersome, and insurance considerations may influence operative decisions, as these injuries frequently compromise independent living.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement is increasingly used for complex fracture patterns because it can restore painless arm use more reliably in patients with rotator cuff insufficiency. Limitations include reduced overhead motion and risk of dislocation.
Our innovative design restores anatomic mechanics through enhanced glenoid implant fixation. Using patented Patient Match technology, CT data generate implants matched to variable scapular anatomy, providing immediate fixation that counteracts early rehabilitation forces and supports bone ingrowth into a porous surface for permanent fixation. Improved fixation enables mechanical constraint, supports anatomic shoulder replacement designs, improves motion, and reduces dislocation risk.
The proposed solution, Anatomical Rotator Cuff Arthroplasty (ARCA), reflects unprecendented potential to restore normal shoulder biomechanics for patients requiring joint replacement.