BONE TO PICK

Dr Jonas Fernandez is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Putrajaya Hospital . He is also a member of the Malaysian Arthroscopy Society ( MAS ).

In this column , we ’ re going to explore a little bit about what smoothness is .

The shoulder is a rather complex machine . It does not consist of just one joint but four different joints , all working in unison to provide controlled and purposeful arm movement .

These four articulations are : sternoclavicular , acromioclavicular , scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints . A pathology of any one of them can lead to dysfunction of the shoulder girdle .

To simplify matters , I will only refer to the glenohumeral joint as it is the biggest and arguably the most essential contributor to movement .

This structure is called a ball and socket type of joint , where the head of the humerus ( the ball ) turns or spins almost on the surface of the glenoid ( the socket ).

Now , follow me … Make a fist with one hand and put it into the palm of your other hand in a clasped position . Now , move your fist against your palm . That is sort of how this joint works .

Imagine , for a moment , if the surface of the skin of your fingers or your palms were rough ; it wouldn ’ t be so easy to move right ? In the glenohumeral joint , the cartilage of the humeral head and the glenoid cartilage glide against each other .

And when the cartilage gets damaged for whatever reason , the smoothness is too . It is what we call arthritis of the shoulder .

WHAT CAUSES ARTHRITIS ?

Shoulder arthritis is a debilitating condition that causes pain , stiffness , and limited range of motion . While arthritis is commonly associated with the knees and hips , it can also impact the shoulder joint , leading to significant discomfort and decreased quality of life .

So , what causes the arthritis ? Shoulder arthritis refers to the inflammation and degeneration of the shoulder joint , where the cartilage that cushions the bones wears down over time .

It can occur due to various factors , including : Osteoarthritis - The most common type of arthritis , osteoarthritis , occurs when the protective cartilage in the shoulder joint gradually wears away . Rotator Cuff Arthropathy - Loss of adequately functioning rotator cuff tendons leads to loss of force coupling of the joint and wear of the cartilage , leading to arthritis . Rheumatoid Arthritis - An autoimmune disorder where the body ’ s immune system attacks the lining of the joint , leading to inflammation , pain , and eventually , joint damage . Post-Traumatic Arthritis - This type of arthritis develops after a severe shoulder injury , such as a fracture or dislocation , which damages the cartilage and accelerates joint degeneration .

The most common symptoms associated with shoulder arthritis are pain and limited

Glenoid

shoulder motion . There may be other symptoms depending on the cause of the arthritis . The pain and loss of shoulder mobility usually lead to deterioration in quality of life .

Upon a visit to your healthcare provider , they will ask about your symptoms , conduct a thorough physical examination of your shoulder , and order diagnostic tests such as X-rays , MRI scans , or CT scans to assess the extent of joint damage and rule out other possible causes of shoulder pain .

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life . It includes medication to help alleviate the pain .

Furthermore , a structured exercise programme supervised by a physical therapist can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint , improve flexibility , and enhance joint stability .

Lastly , lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight , avoiding repetitive

Clavicle

“ Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact daily life , causing pain , stiffness , and limited mobility . However , with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment , individuals with shoulder arthritis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle .” overhead activities , and practising proper posture can help reduce strain on the shoulder joint and improve symptoms .

If all else fails , there is the option of surgery . Shoulder joint replacement surgery is the most common procedure done for advanced shoulder arthritis .

It could be a partial or total shoulder replacement ( anatomical or reverse ). You must discuss with your doctor in further detail about which surgery works best .

Shoulder arthritis can significantly impact daily life , causing pain , stiffness , and limited mobility . However , with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment , individuals with shoulder arthritis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle .

If you ’ re experiencing persistent shoulder pain or stiffness , it ’ s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs . – The HEALTH