Specialised treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis
The shoulder is made up of two joints, the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and the glenohumeral (GH) joint. Both can be affected by arthritis.
Osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear or age related arthritis, which progressively destroys the smooth outer covering (articular cartilage) of the shoulder bones. The normally smooth joint surfaces become rough and irregular. This is more commonly seen in people aged over 50 years, affecting both men and women.
Post traumatic arthritis: a form of osteoarthritis, which typically develops following an injury to the shoulder such as a fracture, repeated dislocations or rotator cuff tears.
Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammatory disease affecting the joint lining leading to progressive destruction of the surface of joints not only in the shoulder but knees, hips, elbows, hands and feet. This disabling disease can affect people of any age.
shoulder osteoarthritis frequently asked questions
What are the signs and symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
- Joint pain is the most common symptom of arthritis
- Most people describe a gradual reduction in the range of shoulder mobility as the disease progresses
- Activities such as lifting the arm above the head becomes most uncomfortable and may be accompanied by creaking or clicking in the joint
- Many people experience night pain and the inability to sleep as arthritic changes advance
- Arthritis in the GH joint will produce pain that is centralised towards the back of the shoulder
- If the AC joint is affected, pain is more commonly found towards the front of the shoulder
- Those with rheumatoid arthritis may have generalised pain affecting one or more joints in the body
What are the causes of osteoarthritis?
Causes of Shoulder Osteoarthritis can include:
- Age related wear and tear
- Injury
- Disease
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
A physical examination is the first stage of diagnosing arthritis in the shoulder joints. X-rays will be taken routinely to examine joint space and reveal if bony spurs or osteophytes have formed at the ends of the bones as a result of arthritic changes.
What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?
Conservative measures such as rest and avoiding activities that cause pain are usually the first steps in treating arthritis of the shoulder. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are often used to reduce inflammation in the joint. Icing the joint 3-4 times per day has also proven to assist with pain and swelling.
Surgical treatment for shoulder arthritis is usually discussed when conservative management does not reduce pain. Your Doctor will discuss with you the surgical options available. They will also discuss the likely outcome and any related risks and complications so you can make a balanced decision.
The type of surgery recommended would depend on which part of your shoulder joint is affected by arthritis. Where the glenohumeral (GH) joint is affected a total shoulder arthroplasty replaces both the humeral head and the socket joint or glenoid with artificial components.
A hemiarthroplasty replaces only the humeral head leaving the healthy glenoid in tact. An open incision is used in both surgical procedures.
A metal component is used to replace the head of the humerus. This metal alloy ball is on a stem that fits down into the arm bone. The glenoid component replaces the socket part of the joint and is most commonly made of plastic. Some components are cemented in place using special bone cement while others have a rough, porous surface into which the bone grows to lock the implant in place.
Your surgeon will discuss with you, the type of components that will be best for your surgery. A physical therapy/ exercise program designed to restore joint function, strength and mobility always accompanies shoulder replacement surgery.
Arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can be treated by resecting the joint – called resection arthroplasty. Arthroscopic removal of the tip of the clavicle removes the pain caused by the rubbing together of the rough ends of the clavicle and the acromion. Scar tissue forms in place of the removed bone and the function of the joint is restored.
A particularly nasty arthritis can develop in a shoulder that has lost its rotator cuff tendons, called “cuff arthropathy”. Although treatment with a replacement can help with pain, use of the joint remains limited.
Shoulder treatments
Biceps Tenodesis & Tenotomy
Biceps tenodesis and biceps tenotomy are two similar surgical procedures used to treat chronic pain and tendonitis in the long head biceps tendon. It may also be used to treat SLAP tears. Tenodesis involves cutting the biceps tendon and attaching
Shoulder Arthroscopy
A shoulder arthroscopy allows your surgeon to look inside your shoulder joint and perform a number of procedures using small instruments guided through tiny incisions made in the skin.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Also called ‘shoulder arthroplasty’, shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure used to treat very damaged shoulder joints. It is usually recommended as a final treatment after conservative treatments – such as pain medication and physiotherapy – have failed. Orthopaedics SA
SLAP Tear Repair
SLAP is an acronym for superior, labrum, anterior, and posterior – A SLAP tear is an injury to the top part of the labrum where the biceps tendon attaches. The labrum is the ring of cartilage which reinforces the ball-and-socket
Why Orthopaedics SA?
Comprehensive care
From arthritis to sports injuries, we treat a full spectrum of bone and joint conditions to keep you moving.
Expert surgeons
Our highly trained doctors have years of experience delivering precise and effective treatments.
SA’s largest practice
With 23 specialists, we offer unmatched expertise and evidence-based care for every patient.
Multiple locations
We have multiple clinics across South Australia, making it simple to find expert care nearby.
Patient-centric approach
We prioritise understanding your condition to ensure every treatment recommendation feels right for you.
Reliable support
Our team of nurses and administrative staff works behind the scenes to make your experience smooth and stress-free.
Meet our doctors
Our surgeons are highly qualified to offer personalised treatments tailored to your needs. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure every decision is made with your well-being in mind.
We take responsibility for our patient’s experience
From your initial consultation to follow-up care, our team will guide you through every step of your treatment. Your specialist will provide a detailed recovery plan, including physical therapy to restore function and prevent future injuries.