What is shoulder arthritis?
The main joint in the shoulder is the glenohumeral joint. Arthritis is the thinning and loss of the cartilage lining of the joint. The most common causes of this are primary (age-related) osteoarthritis and secondary to rotator cuff tears. Other causes also include trauma, instability, avascular necrosis, inflammatory arthritis and infection.
What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?
Patients with shoulder arthritis describe significant pain, which can affect their sleep and they often report being unable to lie on that shoulder. They also develop progressive loss of range of movement, particularly when taking their shoulder outwards away from their body. The loss of movement and pain prevents patients from performing day to day activities and can significantly affect their quality of life.
How is it diagnosed?
It is diagnosed by taking careful his history and performing a detailed examination. This diagnosis can be confirmed by a shoulder X-ray, and further information for operative planning can be gained by performing a CT scan and MRI scan.
How is it treated?
Treatment can begin with symptomatic management with pain killers and physiotherapy to maintain movement and muscle strength.
Intra-articular steroid injections and trials of nerve blocks to the nerves supplying the shoulder can also be used. These can be very effective on patients in which surgical intervention may not be recommended.
When surgical intervention is required, shoulder replacements are effective at relieving the debilitating pain and improving the restriction in the range of movement. There are two main types of shoulder replacement – anatomic and reverse. The type of shoulder replacement recommended depends on the condition of the shoulder rotator cuff tendons. These operations can lead to a significant improvement in a patient’s quality of life.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain in their shoulder or difficulty with moving the shoulder, arm or elbow and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of ACJ injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of should & elbow -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
SHOULDER & ELBOW CONDITIONS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow conditions click the button below to find out more
SHOULDER & ELBOW TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other shoulder & elbow treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist shoulder and elbow consultants
Shoulder and Elbow care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is led by our consultant surgeons Mr W James White and Mr David Butt, both graduates of London medical colleges. They bring extensive experience to Grosvenor Orthopaedics having worked across Guys NHS Trust and the world renowned Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.
Our team have broad experience in the successful treatment of a range of shoulder and elbow problems, addressing both young and sports related injuries as well as those relating to trauma, disease process and genetics.
Patients who choose Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners for their treatment will receive some of the best care available in the UK. Our team are leading consultants across London’s shoulder and elbow clinics and offer specialist care to our private patients through King Edward’s Hospital, HCA Lister and other major private hospitals in central London.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of shoulder and elbow problems utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR W JAMES WHITE
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
MR DAVID BUTT
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon
What some of our patients say
Mrs MA
Thank you for taking care of me. You went above and beyond and I am so touched and grateful. My knee feels fine now