The Global® Advantage® Shoulder System:

The shoulder is one of the body’s most complicated joints. Its subtle motion is difficult to reproduce. That’s why the design of the Global Advantage Shoulder for shoulder replacement surgery is based on detailed studies of the shoulder, its structure and how it works.

If you need shoulder replacement surgery, you can feel confident that your surgeon will be able to select the right shoulder components for you from the Global Advantage System. Whatever the cause of your shoulder pain, whether it’s “wear and tear” arthritis (osteoarthritis) or rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis, the Global Advantage System may be the answer.

What are the components of a Global Advantage shoulder replacement?

The junction of the upper arm bone (humerus) with the shoulder blade (scapula) is called the glenohumeral joint.

In total shoulder replacement surgery, the ball of the humerus and socket of the scapula (glenoid) are replaced with specially designed components.

The humeral implant consists of a metal ball that replaces the head of the humerus, and a body and stem that are secured into the humerus.

The humeral stem is made of titanium for maximum strength. The head is made of cobalt chrome to provide a smooth surface for movement with the glenoid component, which is made of medical grade plastic.

The metal ball and stem units are selected by your surgeon from multiple sizes to fit the contour and shape of your humerus. This two-piece construction is known as a modular prosthesis. This modularity allows your surgeon to closely replicate your natural shoulder.

Orthopaedic surgeons can do two types of shoulder replacement. If your surgeon uses only the metal humeral components, the procedure is called a hemi-arthroplasty. If your surgeon uses both the humeral components and the glenoid implant, the procedure is called a total shoulder arthroplasty. Your surgeon will decide which procedure to use based on the extent of damage to your shoulder.

Why choose the Global Advantage Shoulder Arthroplasty System?

The Global Advantage Shoulder offers important advantages:

Implant components that closely match a wide range of shoulders

Your new shoulder must fit correctly, or it won’t be stable. If it doesn’t fit, you may not be able to move your arm and shoulder freely (have a good range of motion) or notice a lessening of pain after surgery.¹ Matching the size and type of the shoulder implant to your body is one of your surgeon’s most important jobs. The Global Advantage System has 31 different humeral head options, as well as 13 different glenoid components.

Designed for long-term stability

When you move your shoulder, several kinds of movement occur within the shoulder joint. The head of the arm bone rotates within and also travels across your shoulder socket. Earlier shoulder replacement implants did not address this kind of complex movement. The Global Advantage System’s design recreates the subtle “constant mismatch” that is a part of your shoulder's natural motion.

What are the results with the Global Advantage System?

The design of the Global Advantage humeral implant has been used worldwide for more than 10 years. In a study of implant stability, this design showed no evidence of loosening two to seven years after surgery.²

Who is a candidate for surgery with the Global Advantage System?

Patients with severe rheumatoid (inflammatory) arthritis or osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” arthritis) of the shoulder joint are often candidates for shoulder replacement surgery. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include: inflammation, redness, heat and pain at the shoulder joint area.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis of the shoulder are pain and reduced movement in the shoulder. The pain is typically aching in nature and can make it difficult to sleep. Certain movements may cause a grinding sensation or a catching sensation as the arthritic bone surfaces move against one another. If chronic shoulder pain interferes with your life despite non-surgical treatments, you may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery.

Note:

Only an orthopaedic surgeon trained in total shoulder replacement can provide advice about whether total shoulder replacement surgery and the Global Advantage System are right for you. See your physician to learn more.

Individual results with any medical treatment may vary from the outcomes mentioned in this article. Please consult with your physician about the advisability of any medical treatment that you are considering.

Warnings and Precautions:

The Global Advantage glenoid components are indicated only for use with bone cement. Components labeled for "Cemented Use Only" are to be implanted only with bone cement.

The use of a glenoid prosthesis in patients with cuff tear arthropathy could increase the risk of glenoid component loosening due to non-anatomic loading conditions. The following conditions tend to adversely affect shoulder replacement implants: excessive patient weight, high levels of patient activity, likelihood of falls, poor bone stock, metabolic disorders, disabilities of other joints.

Adverse Events:

The following are the most frequent adverse events after shoulder arthroplasty: change in position of the components, loosening of components, dislocation, infection, hematoma, pneumonia, and cardiovascular disorders.

References:

1. Iannotti, J., et. al. “Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Factors Influencing Prosthetic Sizing.” Op. Tech. Orth. 1994:4(4); 198.
2. Iannotti, J. “Radiographic Evaluation of a Humeral Stem Designed for Uncemented Use.” Data submitted as 2001 AAOS abstract.

Last Updated: 09/26/2008