What is Tuberoplasty?  A Minimally Invasive Option for Shoulder Pain Relief

For patients suffering from irreparable rotator cuff tears and persistent shoulder pain, traditional surgical options may not always be feasible. Fortunately, a lesser-known but highly effective procedure—Tuberoplasty—offers a promising alternative for pain relief and improved shoulder function.

🔍 What is Tuberoplasty?

Tuberoplasty is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure that involves reshaping the greater tuberosity of the humerus (the upper arm bone). This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with minimal arthritis and preserved shoulder motion, who are not candidates for full rotator cuff repair.

🎯 Purpose of the Procedure

The primary goal of Tuberoplasty is to relieve subacromial impingement—a condition where the bones in the shoulder rub against each other, causing pain and limiting movement. By smoothing the interaction between the greater tuberosity and the underside of the acromion (part of the shoulder blade), the procedure helps restore a more natural and comfortable range of motion, especially during abduction (lifting the arm away from the body).

🛠️ How the Procedure is Performed

Tuberoplasty is typically performed arthroscopically, using small incisions and a camera-guided instrument.

The steps include:

• Removal of bony spurs (exostoses) that contribute to impingement.
• Reshaping of the greater tuberosity to create a smoother articulation.
• In some cases, application of a dermal allograft (a biologic tissue patch) to protect the debrided area and promote healing.

💡 Why Consider Tuberoplasty?

For the right patient, Tuberoplasty offers several key benefits:

✅ Pain Reduction – Alleviates chronic discomfort caused by bone-on-bone friction
✅ Improved Function – Enhances shoulder mobility and strength
✅ Joint Preservation – Maintains existing motion and delays the need for more invasive procedures
✅ Minimally Invasive – Shorter recovery time and less postoperative discomfort

By minimizing friction between the humeral head and the acromion, Tuberoplasty provides a smoother, more functional shoulder joint—without the need for extensive reconstruction.

A Personal Touch: Family, Community, and Passion

Dr. Dworkin recently relocated to the Tri-Cities with his wife and two children. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys hiking, beach outings, football, and wrestling. His approachable nature and dedication to family life resonate with the values of our community.  He believes in treating every patient with the same care and attention he would offer his own family—listening closely, explaining clearly, and working collaboratively to develop personalized treatment plans.

Why Choose Dr. Dworkin?

 Dr. Joshua Dworkin brings a wealth of experience and specialized training in shoulder and elbow surgery. As the Tri-Cities’ only fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow sub-specialist, Dr. Dworkin offers advanced procedures like Tuberoplasty, Total Shoulder Replacement, Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, and rotator cuff repair with a personalized, patient-first approach. 

Dr. Dworkin is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, a member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His background includes military service as Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Bayne Jones Army Community Hospital, where he cared for service members and their families.

If you're experiencing shoulder or elbow pain, stiffness, or injury, you deserve care from a specialist who understands the intricacies of these joints. Dr. Dworkin’s advanced training, military discipline, and compassionate approach make him uniquely qualified to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.

Dr. Dworkin is now accepting new patients at Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates and patients can call us at 509-586-2828 to schedule a consultation. 

Our clinic is located at 8200 West Gage Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336 or visit us online at www.bfoaonline.com.

Contact Benton Franklin Orthopedic Associates to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a pain-free life.