There are several kinds of arthritis that can affect the shoulder joint, each of which has varying causes. Conservative shoulder arthritis treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy are generally always recommended to start. Among the most common types of shoulder arthritis are:
- – Osteoarthritis, a condition which involves gradual wearing and tearing of shoulder cartilage and most often affects individuals ages 50 and older
- – Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause the lining of one or both shoulder joints to swell
- – Cuff tear arthropathy, a severe, complex kind of shoulder arthritis that develops from an irreparable rotator cuff tear
First-line methods mail fail to alleviate shoulder pain, restore range of motion in the joint and treat other symptoms a patient is having. In these cases, an orthopedic specialist may suggest surgical shoulder arthritis treatment options.
Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Options
The most appropriate course of treatment will depend on the patient’s specific symptoms as well as their age and activity level. Surgical shoulder arthritis treatment options may include:
- – Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) – During this procedure, the orthopedic surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the shoulder. The damaged parts are replaced with plastic and metal implants. This is also known as total shoulder replacement. For many patients, TSA is effective at relieving pain and restoring range of motion loss caused by arthritic conditions of the shoulder.
- – Reverse Shoulder Replacement – For those with severe shoulder arthritis such as cuff tear arthropathy, reverse shoulder replacement is typically a better option than TSA. This surgery involves reversing the positions of the ball and socket in the shoulder joint. This should help improve shoulder mobility and ease pain.
- – Shoulder Arthroscopy – Shoulder arthroscopy allows an orthopedic surgeon to clearly see what needs to be repaired in a patient’s shoulder joint. This is done with a tiny camera attached to a small instrument called an arthroscope. It is the least invasive of all shoulder arthritis treatment options. This procedure is often useful in the treatment of several kinds of shoulder arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, because it’s minimally invasive, shoulder arthroscopy typically comes with a shorter recovery time than open surgery. This makes it preferable in many cases.
This is far from a comprehensive list of shoulder arthritis treatment options, but hopefully this information will be useful as you explore possible solutions for your shoulder issue.
Discuss Your Shoulder Arthritis Treatment Options with Dr. Soffer
Shoulder pain and discomfort can interfere greatly with your everyday life and keep you from doing what you love. If you’re tired of living with these symptoms, Dr. Stephen Soffer can help. As an experienced orthopedic doctor specializing in both shoulder surgery and non-surgical treatments, Dr. Soffer will use state-of-the-art methods to diagnose the cause of your discomfort.
If he determines that you are suffering from an arthritic shoulder condition, Dr. Soffer will thoroughly explain your shoulder arthritis treatment options and help you decide on the best one for you. If another type of issue is causing the problem, he’ll guide you towards the appropriate course of treatment for that condition while being sure to take your specific situation (age, activity level, etc.) into account.
If you are eager to return to an active lifestyle that isn’t centered around your shoulder condition, call our office at 610-375-4949 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Soffer. We look forward to offering you personalized, compassionate shoulder care.
