Shoulder arthritis leads to a progressive loss of movement of the shoulder joint and pain.  It can be associated with a grinding or clicking sound.  Treatment depends on a patient’s daily activities and expectations. 

 

Treatment

Conservative:

  • Activity modification
  • Analgesia and anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physiotherapy ‒ muscle strengthening and capsular stretching.

 

Surgery

The type of surgery depends on the joint involvement and if the rotator cuff and axillary nerve are intact.

  • Arthroscopic debridement
  • Hemiarthroplasty
  • Total shoulder replacement
  • Reverse shoulder replacement.