ORTHOPAEDIC · CONDITION GUIDE
Shoulder Arthritis
A progressive condition where the cartilage lining the shoulder joint wears away, causing the bones to rub against each other — resulting in persistent pain, stiffness, and loss of shoulder function.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage lining the glenohumeral joint — the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder — gradually deteriorates. As cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, causing chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and a progressive loss of movement. It is most commonly seen in adults over 50, though it can also develop following previous shoulder injuries, fractures, or inflammatory conditions. In its early stages, shoulder arthritis can often be managed with physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections. In advanced cases where joint damage is significant, shoulder replacement surgery offers excellent pain relief and restoration of function. Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala provides comprehensive shoulder arthritis management at Lux Hospitals, including anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Age-related wear and tear of the shoulder joint cartilage over time
- Previous shoulder injuries, fractures, or dislocations causing joint damage
- Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions affecting the shoulder
- Rotator cuff arthropathy — advanced arthritis caused by a massive, long-standing cuff tear
- Post-surgical changes following previous shoulder procedures
- Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply causing bone collapse inside the joint
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, post-traumatic
Anatomic TSA, Reverse TSA, Hemiarthroplasty, or Revision Arthroplasty
Implant type selected based on rotator cuff integrity and degree of bone loss
Sling for 4–6 weeks; functional recovery in 3–6 months
Modern shoulder implants typically last 15–20 years with appropriate activity
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Dr. Sai Kishan is trained in both anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement, allowing him to match the implant to each patient's specific anatomy, rotator cuff status, and functional demands. His fellowship background ensures precision implant placement and excellent long-term outcomes.
Dr. Sai Kishan matches the implant to each patient's specific anatomy and rotator cuff status — ensuring precision placement and excellent long-term functional outcomes.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Clinical examination, X-rays, and MRI are used to characterise the type and degree of shoulder arthritis and assess rotator cuff integrity before planning treatment.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Conservative treatment is explored first. Surgical options — anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement — are recommended when pain and function significantly deteriorate.
- 3
Surgical Procedure
The appropriate shoulder replacement implant is selected and positioned precisely based on the patient's anatomy, cartilage loss, and rotator cuff status.
- 4
Rehabilitation & Recovery
A sling is worn for 4–6 weeks, followed by progressive physiotherapy to restore strength, movement, and function. Full recovery typically takes 3–6 months.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement (TSA)
Both the ball and socket of your shoulder are replaced with implants that match your natural anatomy — ideal when the rotator cuff is intact but joint surfaces are severely worn.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (RTSA)
The ball and socket positions are switched, allowing the deltoid muscle to take over when the rotator cuff is too damaged to function — restoring pain-free movement.
Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty
When a previous shoulder replacement has failed, loosened, or caused pain, this corrective surgery removes the old implant and replaces it to restore shoulder function.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
A tiny camera inside your shoulder allows the surgeon to assess and treat contributing joint problems through small incisions without opening the joint.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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