Surface replacement for shoulder arthritis: Surgery with a CAP, a special type of conservative resurfacing joint replacement that resurfaces the ball of the ball and socket joint, can lessen pain and improve function.
Edited By: Winston J. Warme, MD, Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Review of the conditionWhat are some general characteristics of shoulder arthritis? What are its usual manifestations? Arthritis of the shoulder is a condition in which the shoulder has lost the cartilage that normally
covers its joint surface.
This
condition can result in shoulder pain, weakness, stiffness and grinding on
movement. What are the different types of shoulder arthritis? Shoulder
arthritis may result from an injury, but it commonly arises slowly over time.
It may also be cause by conditions where the normal blood circulation to the
ball of the ball and socket joint is disrupted, such as avascular necrosis.What else might be confused with or similar to shoulder arthritis? How can these be distinguished from the condition? Shoulder
arthritis must be distinguished from other conditions, such as rotator cuff
tear, frozen shoulder, and from neck arthritis, each of which may produce
somewhat similar symptoms. Arthritis usually gives rise to stiffness without
weakness. Rotator cuff tears usually cause pain and weakness, but stiffness is
less common. Frozen shoulder is characterized by shoulder stiffness, but the
X-rays are usually normal. Neck arthritis may cause shoulder pain and weakness
that is worse when the head is held in certain positions.How common is shoulder arthritis (statistics, demographics, risk factors)? Shoulder
arthritis can affect shoulders of either gender and at any age, but is more
common in individuals over 40 years. Joint replacement with a resurfacing CAP
prosthesis may be particularly attractive for younger individuals with
arthritis.How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed? What tests or exams may be used?
Shoulder arthritis is diagnosed by
a history of progressive loss of shoulder function, often without an injury, along with a physical examination
showing stiffness and grinding on movement and a typical appearance on
X-ray. In these films the humeral head
can be seen contacting the socket without the normal space occupied by
articular cartilage.
Shoulder
arthritis is best diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon with experience in
shoulder disorders. Certain surgeons specialize in shoulder replacement surgery
for arthritis. Such individuals may be found in the shoulder services of major
schools of medicine.
Can medications help shoulder arthritis? Mild
analgesic medications may relieve some of the symptoms of shoulder arthritis.Can exercises help shoulder arthritis? If
the symptoms of shoulder arthritis with are mild, the condition may be treated
with gentle motion exercises and exercises to strengthen the deltoid and other
muscles around the shoulder.Specifically, how is shoulder arthritis improved by shoulder replacement surgery with a cap resurfacing prosthesis?
When exercises are not successful, most cases of shoulder arthritis are
considered possible candidates for shoulder joint replacement arthroplasty with
a hemiarthroplasty with non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty or a total
shoulder arthroplasty. In cases where
it is preferred to avoid a stem down the shaft of the humerus (arm bone) a
resurfacing CAP prosthesis is considered.
Joint replacement surgery can improve the mechanics of the shoulder by
providing a smooth joint surface, but cannot make the joint as good as it was
before the onset of shoulder arthritis.
The effectiveness of the procedure depends on the health and motivation
of the individual, the condition of the shoulder, and the expertise of the
surgeon. When performed by an experienced surgeon, shoulder joint replacement
arthroplasty can provide improved stability along with improved shoulder
comfort and function. The greatest improvements are in the ability of the
individual to sleep and to perform some of the basic activities of daily
living.
Surgery for Shoulder Arthritis at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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