Shoulder arthritis is a very painful condition. Commonly it is caused by osteoarthritis of the Gleno humeral joint ( Shoulder joint ). Ostearthritis is a disease where the lining cartilage of the joint is lost. This leads to stiffness, pain and loss of movement.
Primary osteo-arthritis of the shoulder joint is common in the Caucasian population. Injuries, aging, genetic predisposition rheumatoid arthritis and overuse can lead to secondary shoulder osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
·Pain which is worse during winter ·Stiffness .Loss of movment ·Creaking or grating sound on movment. ·Swelling of the joint.
Causes and risk factors
Overuse, Injuries, Aging, Secondary to cuff tears, rheumatoid arthritis, infections.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by X-rays.
Treatment
Paracetamol and Anti-inflammatory drugs can be tried for short periods. When pain is intolerable, then a surgical procedure can offer marked pain relief.
Surgical treatment
It is suggested if there is no improvement with conservative treatment. The choice lies between a shoulder resurfacing, total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement. The usual choice is a Total shoulder replacement. Pain relief is marked. Shoulder resurfacing is a superior alternative.
The surgery can be done under general anesthesia ( you are asleep) or regional anesthesia ( you are awake). You need to stay in the hospital for only two days. Shoulder resurfacing is not available in the USA but is readily avaiable in India. |
