Osteoarthritis
Complaints Osteoarthritis
If the cartilage of the shoulder joint is damaged, thinning or disappearing altogether in some places, we talk about Osteoarthritis (or ‘wear-and-tear’ arthritis). This is a degenerative condition that destroys the smooth articular cartilage of bone in and around a shoulder joint and the impact strength and elasticity decrease and the context of the intermediate cells are under threat.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis can give the following symptoms:
- If the glenohumeral shoulder joint is affected, the pain is centered in the back of the shoulder
- Limited motion
- As the disease progresses, any movement of the shoulder causes pain. Night pain is common and sleeping may be difficult
- Stiffness of the shoulder
Treatment Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint can be treated with or without surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Initial treatment of arthritis of the shoulder is nonsurgical and may involve physical therapy. In addition, some therapies you may try include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines; such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to reduce inflammation and swelling. This may be under the supervision of a orthopedic surgeon
- Physical therapy; change activities to avoid provoking pain and to modify the way the arm is moved to do things..
- Steroid injections; anti-inflammatory medicine that is injected directly into your shoulder joint.
Surgical Treatment
If nonsurgical treatment does not reduce pain, there are the following surgical options:
- A total shoulder arthroplasty by replacing the entire shoulder joint with a prosthesis
- By replacing the head of the upper arm bone (hemiarthroplasty).
- A reversed prosthesis for people with damaged shoulder muscles
- Arthrodesis, securing the shoulder joint, and possibility of movement decreases considerably
The above mentioned surgical treatments are use for of arthritis of the shoulder. Treatment for arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint is different beau there is no prosthesis available. In this procedure, a small piece of bone from the end of the collarbone is removed, leaving a space that later fills with scar tissue. This can be done using arthroscopic or open surgery, for options there are some risks and possible complications. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you these options.
Questions
Is shoulder arthritis associated with osteoporosis?
No, these are different diseases. Osteoporosis has to do with low bone density, while osteoarthritis is related to cartilage damage in joints.
Is my overweight associated with my arthritis?
Obesity is associated with osteoarthritis of the knee but not with the shoulder. However, weight loss can reduce the symptoms and reduce the risk of any subsequent surgery with a healthy weight.
Am I eligible for cartilage transplant?
No. Cartilage transplant is (still) not applicable in the shoulder joint.
Is it too late for an operation with a worn out shoulder?
Yes, if the wear is too far, usually caused by damage to the glenoid. Sometimes a hemi prosthesis is still possible. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss with you the options.
Will my shoulder joint worn out faster if I take painkillers?
For osteoarthritis in the shoulder it is wise to adjust the load your shoulders. Using a tranquilizer does not accelerate the wear, but it delays the need of surgery. Especially, if you are young of age, it may be advisable.
Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium
