Shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff tears: The combination of arthritis and rotator cuff tears is called rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The management of this condition requires thought and experience.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Thursday, January 13, 2005
ResearchCondition research At the University of Washington , surgeons are conducting research to
find better ways to manage shoulders afflicted with rotator cuff tear
arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive cuff tear). Part of our
work is focused on stimulating the body’s ability to regenerate a
smooth joint surface.Pharmaceutical research At present, pharmaceutical research does not hold out substantial
promise for individuals with shoulders afflicted with rotator cuff tear
arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive cuff tear).
Non-surgical research We are exploring various exercise regimes to determine which are the
most effective in managing shoulders afflicted with rotator cuff tear
arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive cuff tear) both before
and after reconstructive surgery.Surgical research Most of our research regarding individuals with shoulders afflicted
with rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive
cuff tear) concerns surgical procedures. We are investigating three
separate approaches, depending on the severity of the disease. The
first involves smoothing the humeral head (the ball at the upper end of
the arm bone) and removing any thickened bursa or other tissue that is
interfering with the smooth motion of the shoulder. This is the
procedure that has been performed on the shoulder shown in the X-ray.
[Figure 14]. The second involves replacement of the ball of the upper
end of the arm bone (humeral head) using a special cuff tear arthropathy
(CTA) humeral head prosthesis fixed the arm bone with a stem that goes
inside it. [Figure 15]. The third, used when the shoulder joint is
unstable, involves an implant in which the ball and socket are reversed
(reverse Delta shoulder prosthesis) [Figure 16].Cellular, genetics, or tissue research One of our primary areas of research interest at the University of
Washington concerns regenerative orthopaedics, that is stimulating the
body’s own cells to re-grow lost tendon, bone, and cartilage.
While in its early stages, we have obtained some encouraging initial
results and are eagerly pursing this new scientific direction.
Surgery for rotator cuff tear arthropathy (shoulder arthritis with a massive rotator cuff tear) 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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