Shoulder arthrosis (omarthrosis): Symptoms and causes of arthrosis of the shoulder joint, diagnosis & treatment of the shoulder

Shoulder osteoarthritis, also known as omarthrosis, is a degenerative disease of the shoulder joint characterized by progressive wear of the articular cartilage.

This article examines in detail the symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, and various treatment options available to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life of those affected.

From conservative treatment approaches to surgical interventions, including the use of an artificial joint, all relevant aspects are examined to enable a comprehensive understanding of this complex disease.

Symptoms of shoulder arthrosis

The symptoms of shoulder arthrosis often develop gradually and can worsen over time. Typical symptoms include pain in the shoulder joint, restricted movement, and increasing stiffness .

These symptoms can significantly impair daily activities. Diagnosis is usually the beginning of a comprehensive treatment process.

Common complaints

The most common symptoms of shoulder arthrosis include:

• Pain that may increase with movement and subside during rest periods.

• Limited mobility of the shoulder, making everyday tasks such as lifting the arm or putting on clothes difficult.

• A crunching or rubbing sound in the shoulder joint when moving.

In addition, shoulder pain can radiate into the arm and lead to sleep disturbances. In advanced stages of shoulder arthrosis, deformities of the shoulder joint can also occur, further limiting mobility.

Pain in the shoulder joint

Shoulder pain is a key symptom of shoulder osteoarthritis. It results from inflammation and irritation of the joint structures caused by the degradation of articular cartilage. This pain can manifest as dull, stabbing, or burning and can occur both during exercise and at rest.

For many patients, the pain increases particularly with certain movements or strains on the shoulder, such as lifting heavy objects or working overhead.

In the advanced stages of osteoarthritis, the pain can become chronic and significantly impair the quality of life of those affected, making early diagnosis and targeted treatment essential. A specialist can be of great help here.

Restricted movement

Restricted movement is another characteristic symptom of shoulder arthrosis. The degradation of articular cartilage and the formation of osteophytes (bone growths) lead to the shoulder joint no longer being able to move smoothly.

This manifests itself in limited shoulder mobility, especially when twisting and raising the arm. Those affected often have difficulty performing everyday tasks such as combing their hair or putting on a jacket.

Limited mobility can also lead to a protective posture, which in turn can cause muscle tension and other problems in the shoulder and neck area. Physiotherapy and targeted exercises can help improve shoulder mobility and alleviate symptoms. An orthopedic surgeon can be a first point of contact in this case.

Causes of omarthrosis

Genetic factors

The causes of shoulder osteoarthritis, also known as omarthrosis, are diverse and often difficult to determine. Genetic factors play a role, as the predisposition to osteoarthritis can be inherited . Studies suggest that certain genetic markers are associated with an increased risk of joint wear.

However, this doesn't mean that everyone with such a genetic predisposition will inevitably develop shoulder osteoarthritis. Rather, these genetic factors increase the likelihood of faster wear of the articular cartilage in the shoulder joint, especially when other risk factors such as injury or overuse are present.

Early diagnosis and treatment of shoulder arthrosis are crucial to positively influence the course of the disease and maintain shoulder mobility.

Injuries and overload

Injuries and overloading of the shoulder joint can also contribute to the development of shoulder arthrosis.

Repeated or single traumatic events, such as a fall on the shoulder or a dislocation of the humeral head, can damage the joint cartilage and accelerate the deterioration process. Chronic overuse, such as occurs in certain sports or occupational activities, can also lead to premature osteoarthritis in the shoulder.

The constant strain on the joint leads to wear and tear of the cartilage, which in turn causes inflammation and pain. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, such as physical therapy or injections, can help relieve symptoms and improve shoulder mobility. Conservative therapy may also be beneficial.

Aging processes

Aging processes are another major cause of the development of shoulder arthrosis.

With increasing age, joint cartilage is subject to natural wear and tear. The cartilage loses elasticity and thickness, causing the bones in the shoulder joint to rub against each other more intensely.

Over time, this joint wear can lead to inflammation, pain, and restricted movement.

Although the aging process is inevitable, there are ways to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and alleviate its symptoms. These include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive strain.

In advanced stages of osteoarthritis, surgery, such as joint replacement, may be considered to improve the quality of life of those affected and enable them to lead an active life again. This can reduce shoulder pain. Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis requires a holistic approach.

Diagnosis of shoulder arthrosis

Manual examinations

The diagnosis of shoulder arthrosis usually begins with a comprehensive physical examination.

The orthopedist or other specialist will examine the mobility of the shoulder to determine where limitations exist. This includes assessing both active (self-performed) and passive (doctor-performed) movements.

The doctor will also pay attention to typical symptoms such as pain during certain movements or tenderness in the shoulder joint area . Assessing the muscles surrounding the shoulder , especially the rotator cuff , is also an important component, as muscular imbalances or tendon problems can exacerbate symptoms .

Palpation and special tests help further narrow down the cause of shoulder pain and rule out other possible conditions . Shoulder osteoarthritis can thus be provisionally diagnosed using targeted examination techniques .

Imaging techniques

In addition to physical examinations, imaging techniques are used to support the diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis and assess the extent of joint wear . X-rays are standard to demonstrate the condition of the shoulder joint and to assess the presence of osteophytes (bone outgrowths) and joint space narrowing .

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also provide information about the condition of the articular cartilage , the rotator cuff tendons , and other soft tissue structures. This is especially important to rule out concurrent diseases or other causes of shoulder pain .

In some cases, an arthroscopic examination (joint endoscopy) may also be necessary to directly assess the shoulder joint . The combination of clinical examination and imaging techniques allows for an accurate diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis and provides the basis for treatment planning .

Diagnosis and therapy in practice

In practice, the diagnosis of shoulder osteoarthritis is based on a combination of medical history, clinical examination, and imaging techniques. Treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis depends on the stage of the disease and the individual patient's level of suffering.

In early stages, conservative treatment may be sufficient. This includes, among other things:

• Physiotherapy

• Painkillers

• Injections into the shoulder joint

The goal is to reduce inflammation , strengthen muscles , and maintain the function of the shoulder joint in order to relieve discomfort and improve shoulder mobility .

If conservative treatment is no longer sufficient, surgical therapy may be considered. This could include arthroscopic surgery to stimulate cartilage growth or remove inflamed tissue.

In advanced cases of shoulder osteoarthritis, a joint replacement ( artificial joint ) may be necessary to relieve pain and restore shoulder function . The choice of the appropriate implant ( anatomical or reverse) depends on various factors, such as the condition of the rotator cuff and the glenoid cavity .

Treatment of shoulder arthrosis

Conservative therapeutic approaches

Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis often begins with conservative approaches . These aim to relieve pain, improve shoulder mobility , and preserve the function of the shoulder joint for as long as possible.

Common methods include physical therapy, injections, and pain medication . Adjusting activities to avoid unnecessary strain on the shoulder joint is also an important part of conservative treatment .

These measures can often help delay the need for surgery . Diet can also influence inflammation .

Surgical treatment options

If conservative therapy is no longer sufficient, various surgical treatment options are available to relieve pain and improve the function of the shoulder joint .

One option is arthroscopic surgery, in which damaged tissue is removed or the cartilage is smoothed . In advanced cases of shoulder arthrosis, a joint replacement ( artificial joint ) may be necessary.

Surgical treatment can often lead to a significant improvement in mobility and a reduction in shoulder pain .

Treatment of omarthrosis in detail

The treatment of osteoarthritis requires a detailed and individual approach tailored to the specific needs and condition of the patient.

First, a comprehensive diagnosis is performed to assess the extent of osteoarthritis in the shoulder joint . In the early stages of the disease , various conservative treatments can be considered. These include, for example:

• Physiotherapy to improve shoulder mobility .

• Painkillers and injections into the shoulder joint to relieve discomfort .

In advanced cases where conservative treatment is no longer sufficient, surgical treatment may be considered. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed to remove damaged tissue or smooth the articular cartilage .

In severe cases of shoulder osteoarthritis , joint replacement may be necessary to relieve pain and restore shoulder function . The appropriate treatment depends on several factors, including the patient's age, health status, and activity level. An experienced orthopedic surgeon can help determine the best treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis .

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