Shoulder osteoarthritis refers to wear and tear in the shoulder joint. Over the course of a lifetime, the shoulder joint is subject to a certain amount of wear and tear in which the cartilage layer covering the bone in the joint becomes thinner. However, if this wear and tear exceeds the normal level, it is referred to as osteoarthritis, or omarthrosis in the shoulder joint area. In the early stages, symptoms only occur occasionally. Over time, however, the pain increases and the mobility of the shoulder is also affected. The earlier the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis begins, the better the symptoms and joint wear can be controlled.
In the early stages, attempts are made to alleviate the symptoms with painkillers and physiotherapy. In the long term, it may be necessary to insert an artificial shoulder joint - a shoulder prosthesis.
In conservative therapy, anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed. If symptoms persist, a single joint injection with a cortisone preparation may also be considered. Another important pillar of conservative therapy is physiotherapy exercises for the shoulder.
In advanced omarthrosis with completely depleted cartilage bearings, the treatment of choice is an artificial shoulder joint (shoulder joint prosthesis). The decision to have a shoulder prosthesis must be made individually for each patient.
Dr. Martin Schwarz, MSc, Prim. a.D.
Specialist for trauma surgery,
Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumatology Shoulder Center Vienna
Surgery for shoulder, knee and sports injuries