Shoulder joint arthritis is a condition characterised by the inflammation and degeneration of the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

Types of Shoulder Joint Arthritis:
1. Osteoarthritis (OA): Commonly associated with ageing, OA results from the gradual wear and tear of joint cartilage.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and joint damage.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arises after shoulder injuries, fractures, or dislocations.
4. Avascular Necrosis (AVN): Loss of blood supply to the joint leading to bone death and arthritis.

Symptoms

Dull or aching pain, often aggravated by movement.

Limited range of motion, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Inflammation around the joint.

Difficulty in lifting or carrying objects.

Feeling of the shoulder giving way.

Treatment Options:
Management of shoulder joint arthritis often involves a combination of conservative treatments and interventional procedures aimed at reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healing.

Conservative Treatments: Physical therapy, NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections, activity modification, heat or cold therapy:

Interventional Procedures:
a) Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of articular branches: RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to target and disrupt the sensory nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the shoulder joint. Under USG guidance, the articular branches supplying the shoulder joint can be precisely identified and targeted for RFA, providing long-lasting pain relief.

b) Viscosupplementation or gel injection: In this procedure, a thick fluid called hyaluronic acid is injected into the shoulder joint to lubricate the joint and provide cushioning, reducing friction and pain. USG guidance ensures accurate placement of the injection into the joint space.

c) Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP is a regenerative therapy that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors derived from the patient's own blood into the shoulder joint to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. USG guidance helps ensure precise delivery of PRP into the affected joint.

d) Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) therapy: BMAC involves aspirating bone marrow from the patient's hip bone and concentrating the stem cells and growth factors present in the bone marrow. The concentrated solution is then injected into the shoulder joint to promote tissue healing and regeneration. USG guidance can assist in the accurate placement of the injection into the joint.