Surgery for shoulder arthrosis

Introduction

The diagnosis of shoulder arthrosis (omarthrosis) does not necessarily mean that surgery on the shoulder joint must be performed. However, shoulder arthrosis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured.

When is surgery necessary?

In the early stages of cartilage degeneration, conservative therapy is recommended in most cases, with the emphasis on mobilizing the joint, lifting the stiffening, loosening the narrowed (contracted) shoulder capsule, pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment. The aim is to slow down the progression of shoulder arthrosis and strengthen the shoulder muscles. Only if these conservative measures do not bring about an improvement in the symptoms, should surgical therapy be considered. Depending on the severity of the shoulder arthrosis, cartilage smoothing performed during arthroscopy can already provide relief. If this treatment approach is no longer sufficient, the implantation of an artificial joint replacement (shoulder prosthesis) may be necessary as a last step.

Surgery for shoulder arthrosis

There are various surgical options available for the treatment of shoulder arthrosis, depending on the degree of pain and the functional requirements of the person affected. In the early stages of shoulder arthrosis, a joint-preserving operation can be performed as part of a shoulder joint endoscopy (arthroscopy). This procedure is particularly suitable if the joint space is only slightly narrowed by the arthrosis and sufficient mobility of the shoulder joint is maintained.

As a rule, the cause of the pain can be eliminated during the minor arthroscopic procedure; for example, a scarred and hardened bursa can be removed or calcified or torn tendons sutured using the minimally invasive keyhole technique (arthroscopic). In addition, the joint cartilage can be smoothed, the acromion widened and inflamed tissue removed. This operation can be performed as an inpatient procedure, which corresponds to a hospital stay of about two to three days.

If the shoulder arthrosis is already advanced, the joint space is very narrow or pronounced movement restrictions are evident, a shoulder joint replacement should be surgically inserted. Depending on the extent and cause of the shoulder arthrosis, various prosthesis models can be considered (see below). If the prosthesis becomes loose, a replacement operation must usually be performed. This involves replacing the loosened part; sometimes it may be necessary to use a different type of prosthesis, for example if there are soft tissue defects or poor bone quality.