Shoulder Arthritis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,Λεωφ.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Shoulder Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition characterised by the destruction / degeneration of the articular surfaces of the shoulder.
How Is It Caused and What Are the Causes of Its Development?
The causes of arthritis include the following:
Degenerative arthritis, normal wear and tear over time with ageing. It is the most common form of arthritis.
Post-traumatic arthritis following an injury, fracture, or dislocation in the shoulder area
Arthritis as a result of massive tears of the shoulder tendons (rotator cuff)
Inflammatory arthritis that occurs in patients with rheumatological diseases
Post-infectious arthritis, as a result of a shoulder infection
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Patients may experience the following symptoms:
Severe pain throughout the shoulder area
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected shoulder
Severe and persistent pain even when the shoulder is not moving
Weakness of the upper limb
Limited shoulder movement
A grinding sensation during movement
Diagnosis
A patient with shoulder arthritis requires assessment by a specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon. The doctor will take a medical history and perform an ultrasound scan of the shoulder to assess the integrity of the underlying tendons, the presence of fluid within the joint, as well as any other possible shoulder injuries. An X-ray of the shoulder will be required to evaluate the degree of degeneration of the articular surfaces. In some cases, an MRI scan of the shoulder may be required.
Conservative Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis
Treatment in the early stages is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise programme.
Injection of cortisone, hyaluronic acid or autologous healing factors (PRP), under ultrasound guidance
Surgical Treatment
Shoulder Arthroscopy
If conservative treatment fails, shoulder arthroscopy is a treatment option for selected patients – mainly those with milder forms of arthritis. Shoulder arthroscopy involves 3 incisions, each 4 millimetres long. Through these incisions, a camera with cold light and the necessary instruments are inserted into the shoulder. During the operation, adhesions are released, loose cartilage bodies are removed, and the degenerated articular surfaces are smoothed. At the same time, any other existing shoulder conditions are treated (such as tendon tears).
Shoulder Arthroplasty
Shoulder arthroplasty is the replacement of the surfaces of the bones forming the joint that come into contact and are usually worn. The surfaces are replaced with artificial implants, known as prostheses. The materials used are either metal or ceramic and are fully compatible with the human body.
The type of arthroplasty is determined by the extent of damage to the joint and the condition of the surrounding muscles. Shoulder arthroplasty is usually performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion after conservative treatment has failed.
If the muscles surrounding the joint are functioning, an anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty is recommended, where the joint surfaces are replaced in the same way as before surgery. If the muscles surrounding the shoulder have deteriorated, a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is recommended, where the ball and socket components are positioned opposite to their normal anatomical arrangement. This variation allows the shoulder joint to function normally even without the surrounding muscle
Doctor’s Interview about Shoulder Arthroplasty
How Successful Is Shoulder Arthroplasty?
Shoulder arthroplasty is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In the right hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in the functional recovery of the patient. It is a safe technique with extremely low complication rates.
Pain relief is immediate, and shoulder movement is restored to a significant extent.
The return to daily activities is gradual. Within a few days after shoulder arthroplasty, the patient can perform basic daily activities independently.
What Is the Cost of Surgery?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you have shoulder arthritis, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in shoulder conditions.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.