Our Summary

This research paper reviews recent studies on the occurrence, evaluation, and treatment of hip and shoulder disease in patients with spondyloarthritis, an inflammation-based disease that affects the joints. Up to 25% of patients with spondyloarthritis have been found to have hip involvement, which is often associated with more severe disease and difficulty in functioning. Shoulder involvement is often characterized by tendinitis and inflammation around the joint, while direct involvement of the main shoulder joint is rare. The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment seems to have a positive effect on hip arthritis, and there is a noticeable decrease in the need for hip replacement surgeries in these patients. The paper emphasizes that more studies are needed to understand the overall impact of spondyloarthritis on the joints, and that the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy should be considered for patients with hip involvement. In clinical practice, the presence of joint involvement should be regularly assessed.

FAQs

  1. What is the percentage of spondyloarthritis patients who have hip involvement?
  2. What is the impact of anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment on hip arthritis in spondyloarthritis patients?
  3. How often is the main shoulder joint directly affected in patients with spondyloarthritis?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about shoulder replacement surgery is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan diligently. This typically includes physical therapy exercises to help regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. It is important to be patient and consistent with these exercises in order to achieve the best possible outcome from the surgery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help promote overall joint health and reduce the risk of future joint issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for shoulder replacement surgery include those with severe shoulder arthritis, shoulder fractures that cannot be repaired, rotator cuff tears that cannot be repaired, and failed previous shoulder surgeries. Additionally, patients who have tried non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medications, injections, and other conservative measures without success may also be candidates for shoulder replacement surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if shoulder replacement surgery is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before shoulder replacement surgery, a patient may experience chronic shoulder pain, limited range of motion, weakness in the arm, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections without success.

After shoulder replacement surgery, the patient will typically stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and pain management. Physical therapy will begin shortly after surgery to help regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. Over the next few weeks and months, the patient will continue physical therapy and gradually increase their activity level. It can take several months to fully recover and regain full function in the shoulder.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after shoulder replacement surgery can vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and participate actively in their recovery process to achieve the best possible outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of shoulder replacement surgery available and which option is best for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after shoulder replacement surgery?
  4. What type of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be necessary after the surgery?
  5. How long can I expect the shoulder replacement to last before needing revision surgery?
  6. How will shoulder replacement surgery improve my quality of life and ability to perform daily activities?
  7. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What can I do to help ensure the success of the shoulder replacement surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of shoulder replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: López-Medina C, Castro-Villegas MC, Collantes-Estévez E. Journal: Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2020 Jul 23;22(9):53. doi: 10.1007/s11926-020-00930-7. PMID: 32705356