Ream And Run Specialist

Brad Carofino, MD

Shoulder and Hand Surgeon located in Chesapeake, VA & Virginia Beach, VA

If you suffer from a shoulder arthritis that causes significant pain but you’re younger and more active than the traditional replacement surgery candidate, Dr. Brad Carofino may have an effective solution for you. At his Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia, surgical practices, Dr. Carofino offers the innovative ream and run arthroplasty procedure. This treatment allows you to keep the natural bone of your socket to alleviate the pain and dysfunction medical conditions and injuries can cause in your shoulder. To find out if you’re a good candidate for ream and run arthroplasty, contact Dr. Coronfina’s office by phone or through the online booking feature.

Ream and Run Q & A

What is ream and run arthroplasty?

Ream and run arthroplasty is an alternative shoulder replacement procedure for those who are under the age of 40 and lead an active lifestyle. This surgical option is ideal for those who don’t want to limit their activities following surgery.

The ream and run surgery works like a traditional shoulder replacement procedure, but instead of replacing your socket with a plastic prosthesis, Dr. Carofino uses specialized reamers to smooth down and reshape your natural bone to accommodate the head of the humerus bone.

What are the benefits of ream and run arthroplasty?

In traditional shoulder replacement surgeries, the plastic replacement socket is the primary cause of failure. The plastic socket can wear out over time and become loose, requiring additional repair surgeries. Reshaping your own bone to accommodate the ball of your humerus bone offers longer-lasting results than with traditional replacement surgery.

Another benefit of the ream and run surgery is its effectiveness for treating younger patients who remain active and are likely to perform heavy lifting tasks. This kind of activity can wear down a plastic socket quickly, requiring additional surgeries.

Following a ream and run procedure, you can expect to return to your normal activities, including weightlifting and pull-up exercises that may be limited after a traditional replacement surgery.

Are there disadvantages with the ream and run procedure?

While there are many benefits of the ream and run procedure for treating shoulder conditions, ream and run arthroplasty involve a longer recovery than traditional replacement surgery. You may also experience more discomfort during your first few months of recovery.

How long is the recovery time for ream and run arthroplasty?

Ream and run procedures may take longer to heal from than traditional replacement surgery. For the first six weeks, Dr. Carofino recommends taking over-the-counter pain-relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. He may also prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent infection at the surgical site.

Immediately following surgery, you should start moving around as much as possible. For the first six weeks, you should avoid lifting or pulling anything over one pound to allow proper healing. Dr. Carofino encourages you to begin rehabilitative therapy as soon as possible after surgery.

To learn more, schedule an appointment online or by phone.

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