Shoulder Calcification Treatment

Let’s talk a little bit about anatomy. The shoulder joint consists of two joints.
One is between the collarbone (clavicle) and the scapula (scapula), called the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The second is the joint between the humerus and the scapula, called the glenohumeral joint.

These two joints can be affected by arthritis. For an effective and correct treatment, the treatment is shaped according to the affected shoulder joint and the type of arthritis.

What causes shoulder arthritis?

Arthritis of the shoulder joint is called arthritis/arthrosis.

There are usually three types of arthritis.

Osteoartrit
Osteoarthritis is the peeling and loss of cartilage in the joint. It is a degenerative process and usually affects people over the age of 50. In the shoulder, the acromioclavicular joint is most commonly affected.

Normal shoulder joint Severely calcified shoulder joint

Ramotoit Artrit
Ramotoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease. The joint membranes are involved and usually the joints are symmetrically involved and involve many joints.

Arthritis after fracture or trauma

Ramotoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease. The joint membranes are involved and usually the joints are symmetrically involved and involve many joints.

Arthritis after fracture or trauma
It is a degenerative form of osteoarthritis that occurs after a fracture or dislocation. The articular cartilage peels and wears away. Rotator cuff tears can be seen after these abrasions.

What are the symptoms of shoulder arthritis?
The most common complaint is shoulder pain. Pain worsens with activity and time. The pain is centered in the shoulder and back and can be affected by weather changes. If the arthritis affects the acromioclavicular joint, the pain is more anteriorly focused in the shoulder.

In rheumatoid arthritis, pain affects both shoulders and pain can be in all areas.
Limited movement is another symptom. Raising your arm, combing your hair or reaching for a high shelf may become difficult. With shoulder movement, clicking and rubbing sounds can be heard from the shoulder.
As the disease progresses, movements become more difficult, night pains occur and sleep patterns are disturbed.

How is shoulder arthritis diagnosed?

A medical examination and X-rays are essential for diagnosis.

The following conditions can be detected during the examination;

Muscle atrophy-melting
Sensitivity by touch
Active and passive range of motion
Signs of injury to muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
Signs of previous injuries
Other joint involvement (in terms of rheumatoid arthritis)
Increased pain when pressure is applied to the shoulder
X-rays are important to evaluate joint narrowing, calcification (osteophytes) or bone changes.

The reduction of pain with local anesthetic injection into the joint supports the diagnosis.

Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Non-Surgical Treatment
The first treatment for shoulder arthritis is medical and physical therapy. In addition, some therapies can be applied;

Avoidance of movements that provoke pain, rest and changes in activity
Physical therapy
Moist heat

Medical treatment to reduce inflammation

Ice application two or three times a day for 20-30 minutes to reduce inflammation in shoulder pain
Antirheumatic drugs if rheumatoid arthritis is present
Dietary supplements; Glucosamine and chondrotin sulfate (may interact with some medications, be sure to consult before taking)

Surgical Treatment
If the pain does not decrease with non-surgical methods, surgical options are considered. As with all surgeries, there are possible risks and complications in these operations.
Total shoulder prosthesis or partial shoulder prosthesis surgeries can be applied in shoulder joint calcification.