Osteoarthritis in the shoulder is a gradual and progressive degeneration of various joints (also see arthritis of the shoulder). It is characterized by pain, weakness, restriction motion and can be very debilitating for thousands of adults across the nation.
Osteoarthritis occurs when there is deterioration of articular cartilage accompanied by changes in the subchondral (below the cartilage) bone and soft tissue of the joint. Those suffering from osteoarthritis do so because of hereditary, degenerative changes within the body or as a result of a prior sports or traumatic injury.
The most recommended surgical treatment is a total joint arthroplasty (replacement of the joint with a prosthesis); this procedure often has satisfactory results on pain reduction and functional outcome (also see shoulder joint replacement surgery). This treatment method works well in older patients. Due to various reasons, such as the lifetime of the prosthesis, young, highly active patients are often poor candidates for shoulder arthroplasty. Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis should be based on the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, level of activity, radiographic findings and other medical conditions present.
The surgical technique of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty is further explained in this short video.
For more information on Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Shoulder Osteoarthritis, pleasecontact Dr. Peter Millett, orthopedic specialist and sports medicine surgeon at his office in Vail, Colorado.
