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Also known as: Arthritis, Arthrosis, Wear & Tear
WHAT IS IT?
Osteoarthritis is a gradual weakening of the cartilage that allows the joint
to move fluidly. The smooth joint surfaces wear away and become 'rusty'. Most of
the time the cause is not known, but overuse and injuries can lead to the
development of osteoarthritis over time.
Although the condition does not occur in the shoulder as often as it does in
other joints, especially the knees and hands, shoulders can become affected by
osteoarthritis.
The condition leads to a stiff, painful shoulder, with loss of shoulder
movement.
TREATMENT:
1. Physiotherapy - to prevent any further stiffness and regain range of
motion
2. Painkillers and anti-inflammatories
3. Surgery - required for advanced disease, with pain not controlled with
painkillers
Types of Surgery:
1. Arthroscopy - to assess and treat some of the surface damage
2. Shoulder Replacement - most common procedure for advanced arthritis
Note: Injections
into the shoulder should be avoided, as they have only a temporary benefit and
pose the small risk of joint infection.
Hyaluronan injections
may be of benefit where surgery is contraindicated.
PREVENTION:
- Keep doing as much of your normal routine as possible.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Remain active to keep muscle strength from diminishing. If you work up to a
well-designed exercise program, you can keep or even improve joint flexibility.
- Keep repetitive overhead activity to a minimum
- Rest only when joints are very painful.
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Normal shoulder joint |
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Worn shoulder joint of Arthritis |
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Copeland Total Shoulder Replacement |
Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)
The main reason for this operation is to reduce the arthritis pain in your
shoulder.
The operation replaces the damaged surface of the ball of the joint. This type
of shoulder replacement is called "the Copeland Shoulder" and was developed at
the Reading Shoulder Unit. Occasionally a different type of replacement may be
used. The doctors will discuss your individual surgery after the operation.
For more information see
click here.
GENERAL ADVICE
You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the
procedure. You will probably be able to go home the same day.
You will usually be in hospital for less than a week after your operation.
Following surgery you will be in a sling. This is for comfort only and you may
take it off as you wish.
A physiotherapist will see you in hospital to give you advice about using your
arm and exercises. Outpatient physiotherapy will be arranged when you are
discharged.
In the first three to four weeks you will be quite one handed which will
significantly affect your daily activities. As your pain improves so will the
amount you can use your arm.
Driving and most light activities are usually possible four to six weeks after
the surgery. However the strength in your arm will take longer to improve, and
will be dependent on the amount of pain and stiffness you had prior to the
surgery. A doctor or physiotherapist will discuss this with you.
More Information:
25/06/2004 |
