Pay attention to shoulder arthritis that limits range of motion.
Prof. Cem Coşkun Avcı made statements about shoulder calcification, which mainly threatens the over-65s. Prof. Dr. Cem Coşkun Avcı stated that shoulder calcification is joint wear due to the reduction of the cartilage in the shoulder joint, just like in knees and hips. Pain in the shoulder initially manifests itself with movements. When the calcifications progress and the articular cartilage completely disappears, the pain can now occur at rest, as the bones begin to rub against each other. Shoulder pain mainly increases at night and limits daytime activity. In other words, the most prominent complaints of patients with shoulder calcification are; In the beginning, the pain that occurs during movements and the limitation of movement are also at rest as time goes on.
THE MOST MOBILE JOINT OF THE BODY SHOULDER
Noting that there are two types of shoulder calcification, Prof. Dr. Jager continued:
“The first type of primary is what we call primary shoulder calcification. It is a form of calcification that is generally seen in old age as a result of spontaneous wear and tear of the articular cartilage without any cause. Calcification and wear of the joints that occur later in life can be seen in the shoulder joint as well as throughout the body. However, we see less calcification in the shoulder joint than in the knee and hip. The second type is secondary calcification that occurs for other reasons. Since the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in our body, it is subject to the most trauma, shock and stress. For this reason, muscle tears in the shoulder or damage caused by the effects of sports are risk factors for shoulder calcification. It usually occurs with the deterioration of the anatomy of the shoulder joint due to previous fractures and dislocations, muscle tears in the shoulder, and some surgeries. Secondary calcifications can be seen at any age. For example, if someone is not treated properly after a fracture, they can develop shoulder osteoarthritis at a young age.”
LIFESTYLE INCREASES THE RISK OF calcification
Prof. Dr. Cem Coşkun Avcı pointed out that shoulder arthritis is less common in society than knee and hip arthritis and provided the following information:
“Sometimes shoulder calcification can occur as a result of rheumatic diseases. Spontaneous calcification, which we call primary, is rare in society. If the lifestyle lasted for a period of time, especially if the arm was used in heavy work and physical work was done, then shoulder arthritis is seen in the future. We see more secondary calcifications in our society. Shoulder calcification is not as restrictive of daily activities as the knee and hip. It is an inconvenience that can be tolerated by the patients. The main ways to prevent calcification; If there is a rheumatic disease, it must be treated because it stops calcification. If there is a previous fracture, if there is a poor connection in the joint due to the fracture, it must be corrected. If there are recurrent dislocations, they should be corrected to provide a chance for timely intervention. Muscle tears must be repaired in time.”
NOT AS PAINFUL AS KNEE AND HIP PROSTHESIS
prof. Dr. Avcı continued his evaluations as follows:
“In the beginning, we strengthen the shoulder muscles and increase tissue harmony and muscle strength with medical treatments, namely painkillers, cartilage-strengthening vitamin supplements and especially physiotherapy. In addition, in some special cases we may recommend intra-articular fluid supplements, liquid collagen and PRP for calcification. As the shoulder calcification progresses over the years, the complaints can increase. Surgery should be used, especially in cases where pain increases at night or when mobility is severely limited. Shoulder arthroplasties are not as heavy and invasive operations as knee and hip arthroplasties. It is less bleeding, quick healing and less painful surgery. More successful results are achieved compared to the knee and hip. The patient can resume his daily life immediately after the prosthesis operation. At this time, we are not restricting any movement, such as not using the arm. From the next day of surgery, we let him use his arm, especially for desk tasks, while dressing and eating. In the process after the wounds slowly heal, after about 2 weeks the slack muscles of the shoulder are strengthened again with a rehabilitation program that will strengthen the shoulder muscles. The patient’s movements reach sufficient levels and their pain disappears. Another thing we have to say about shoulder prostheses is that if certain rules are followed in the wearing process of the shoulder prosthesis, it can outlast the knee and hip.”
