What
Is Arthritis of the Shoulder?
Arthritis
is a degenerative disease caused by either wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
or an inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis) of one or more joints.
Arthritis not only affects joints; it may secondarily affect supporting
structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
What
Are the Signs of Shoulder Arthritis and How Is It Diagnosed?
The
usual signs of arthritis of the shoulder are pain, particularly
over the AC joint, and a decrease in shoulder motion. A doctor
may suspect the patient has arthritis when there is both pain
and swelling in the joint. The diagnosis may be confirmed by a
physical examination and x rays. Blood tests may be helpful for
diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, but other tests may be needed
as well. Analysis of synovial fluid from the shoulder joint may
be helpful in diagnosing some kinds of arthritis. Although arthroscopy
permits direct visualization of damage to cartilage, tendons,
and ligaments, and may confirm a diagnosis, it is usually only
done if a repair procedure is to be performed.
How
Is Arthritis of the Shoulder Treated?
Most
often osteoarthritis of the shoulder is treated with nonsteroidal
anti- inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. (Rheumatoid
arthritis of the shoulder may require physical therapy and additional
medicine, such as corticosteroids.) When conservative treatment
of osteoarthritis of the shoulder fails to relieve pain or improve
function, or when there is severe deterioration of the joint causing
parts to loosen and move out of place, shoulder joint replacement
(arthroplasty) may provide better results. In this operation,
a surgeon replaces the shoulder joint with an artificial ball
for the humerus and a cap (glenoid) for the scapula. Passive shoulder
exercises (where someone else moves the arm to rotate the shoulder
joint) are started soon after surgery. Patients begin exercising
on their own about 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Eventually, stretching
and strengthening exercises become a major part of the rehabilitation
program. The success of the operation often depends on the condition
of rotator cuff muscles prior to surgery and the degree to which
the patient follows the exercise program.
Reference:
from National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Information Clearinghouse
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