It pays to be proactive when it comes to the health of your shoulders. You may assume that if you can tolerate discomfort, you’re no worse for the wear, but additional issues can develop if a small problem goes unaddressed for an extended period. That’s especially true in the shoulder condition known as rotator cuff arthropathy. In today’s blog, we explain why it’s a good idea to manage shoulder problems early so that you can avoid developing rotator cuff arthropathy.
Causes And Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
Rotator cuff arthropathy is the term given to a shoulder that has developed arthritic degeneration as a result of an unaddressed rotator cuff tear. The supportive tissues that make up your rotator cuff help to hold the humeral head in the glenoid socket. If a large tear develops, the shoulder joint becomes less stable and movement may cause bones in the area to wear down unevenly or more expeditiously. This arthritic degeneration that occurred because of a lack of support from the rotator cuff is known as rotator cuff arthropathy, and it develops when a large tissue tear goes unaddressed for too long.
The rotator cuff tear was probably uncomfortable on its own, but the uneven wear on the bones and advancing shoulder arthritis will only lead to new or more intense symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms associated with rotator cuff arthropathy include:
- Severe pain
- Shoulder/Arm weakness
- Difficulty performing certain arm movements
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of discomfort
- Overall lack of shoulder function
Diagnosing And Treating Rotator Cuff Arthropathy
While it will be clear to the average person that you have an issue with your shoulder, it’s a wise move to consult with a shoulder specialist if you are dealing with any or all of the symptoms listed above. Your doctor will want to pinpoint the exact source of your injury and the extent of the damage so that they can formulate a treatment plan designed around you.
Your doctor will begin by asking about your symptoms and viewing the shoulder in person. They’ll likely have you attempt to perform certain movements that can highlight rotator cuff function. Most specialists will recommend specialized imaging to get a clear view of the bones and soft tissues in the area, which is why a computerized tomography (CT) scan is typically the most reliable form of imaging, although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used.
What your doctor sees in these images will dictate your treatment plan. If the tear is small or medium and the arthritic degeneration is still in the early stages, a conservative care plan may be the first course of action. This will include anti-inflammatory medications or possibly a cortisone injection and a heavy dose of physical therapy. PT may come in many different forms, including standard physical therapy, manual therapy or aqua therapy, depending on your unique needs, but the overall goal will be to strengthen the injured rotator cuff to restore stability and function to the region. Many patients will see improvements in symptom severity and function when physical therapy is pursued for at least six weeks.
Surgery is typically recommended for patients with severe symptoms or for those who do not respond well to conservative care techniques. Depending on your needs your surgeon may opt to just address the rotator cuff tear, or they may perform a procedure that also addresses the arthritic degeneration. In these instances, a reverse total shoulder replacement procedure may be the best fit. A standard shoulder replacement procedure isn’t typically an option because the surgery requires a strong and functional rotator cuff. A reverse total shoulder replacement will restore significant function and mobility but switch the position of the ball and shoulder joint. This reversal means the deltoid muscle now takes over the function of the rotator cuff, meaning it’s perfect for patients with significant tears or extensive rotator cuff damage.
If you suspect that you’re dealing with rotator cuff arthropathy, or you simply want to understand what’s causing your shoulder discomfort, connect with Dr. Holloway and his team today. Give us a call at (865) 410-7887.
