Shoulder Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis: The most common type of shoulder arthritis, osteoarthritis, occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage in the shoulder joint over time. Aging, repetitive stress, and previous shoulder injuries can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and destruction of the synovial lining of the joint, leading to erosion of the cartilage and bone in the shoulder joint.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops following a traumatic injury to the shoulder, such as a fracture or dislocation, can accelerate the degenerative changes in the joint.

1. Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the shoulder joint, particularly with movement or weight-bearing activities, is a common symptom of shoulder arthritis.
2. Stiffness: Patients may experience stiffness or limited range of motion in the shoulder joint, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
3. Loss of Strength: Weakness or loss of strength in the affected shoulder may be observed, particularly with overhead movements or lifting objects.
4. Crepitus: A grinding or crunching sensation in the shoulder joint during movement, known as crepitus, may be present.

Diagnosing shoulder arthritis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies, including:

• Physical Examination: Assessment of shoulder range of motion, strength, and provocative tests to identify areas of tenderness or instability.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans may be ordered to visualize the bony structures of the shoulder joint, assess the extent of cartilage loss, and identify any associated abnormalities, such as bone spurs or joint space narrowing.

Conservative Management:

• Pain Management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or oral analgesics may help alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises, stretching, and range of motion exercises to improve shoulder function and stability.
• Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate shoulder pain and limiting overhead movements.

Surgical Intervention:

• Anatomic Shoulder Arthroplasty: Anatomic shoulder arthroplasty involves replacing the damaged or arthritic surfaces of the shoulder joint with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The components are designed to replicate the natural anatomy of the shoulder joint, allowing for improved function and pain relief.
• Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a specialized procedure designed for patients with severe shoulder arthritis and concomitant rotator cuff deficiency. In this procedure, the positions of the ball and socket in the shoulder joint are reversed, placing the ball component on the glenoid (socket) side and the socket component on the humeral (ball) side. This design allows for the deltoid muscle to assume the role of the rotator cuff, providing stability and function to the shoulder joint.

Recovery from shoulder arthritis and arthroplasty depends on the severity of the arthritis, the chosen treatment approach, and individual factors such as age and activity level. Following surgical intervention, a structured rehabilitation program is essential to optimize outcomes and facilitate a safe return to activities. This typically involves a gradual progression of exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist, with the goal of improving shoulder strength, stability, and range of motion.