Putting the New Joint in Place
Past Challenges for Surgeons
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Getting a Good View
Until quite recently, x-rays were the only method of visualizing what was going on inside a joint.
From a few flat images, surgeons had to visualize the situation, determine which implant to use and how to place it, plan the surgery, and monitor the patient's progress.
Now, x-rays can be supplemented by other forms of imaging which provide more complete, 3-dimensional information. See a modern image to compare with this x-ray.
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The Design of the Implant
According to one local surgeon this replacement shoulder was "almost impossible to put in place". It was the first shoulder replacement to come on the market and was soon surpassed by better designs.
The design of some of the early replacement joints made it a real challenge for surgeons to put them in place properly, especially without damaging surrounding tendons and ligaments.
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