Shoulder Joint Preservation and Cartilage Restoration

What is shoulder joint preservation and cartilage restoration?

Osteoarthritis is a common, degenerative disease that affects the cartilage found within joints, like the shoulder joint. The cartilage is responsible for providing a smooth, frictionless surface between the bones to allow for fluid, painless movement. Patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder experience the wearing away of this cartilage tissue which leads to stiffening of the joint and pain with movement. Osteoarthritis does not have a cure and is irreversible. However, shoulder joint preservation and potentially cartilage restoration are surgical treatment options to help patients maintain the function of their shoulder, reduce pain with movement, and in some cases, delay or avoid a total shoulder replacement. Dr. Joseph Lamplot, orthopedic shoulder specialist, treats patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, who are experiencing cartilage breakdown and early osteoarthritis.

Do I need to have shoulder joint preservation and cartilage restoration surgery done?

Symptoms of osteoarthritis develop and worsen over time. Initially, these symptoms can be managed through conservative, non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy, rest, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication pain management as well as steroid (cortisone) injections. When osteoarthritis progresses to a degree where these non-surgical methods do not alleviate pain, or patients cannot perform normal day-to-day tasks due to shoulder stiffness or other symptoms, surgery may be recommended. Surgical joint preservation when performed at an early stage, can help to alleviate the symptoms of this degenerative osteoarthritis condition and may delay shoulder replacement.

How is joint preservation performed?

Many types of joint preservation surgeries can be performed to delay the progression of osteoarthritis, alleviate pain, and delay the need for a total shoulder replacement surgery. Some of these procedures include:

• Surgical debridement: During this type of joint preservation surgery, Dr. Lamplot will use a small camera and surgical tools to remove any loose pieces of cartilage that have accumulated in the joint. This helps to eliminate pain and mechanical symptoms such as catching within the joint. Dr. Lamplot may also remove any bone spurs present in the joint, and if needed, he may perform a surgical release of the shoulder capsule. The joint capsule as well as the lining of the shoulder joint can often become inflamed, which causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. These tissue segments can be removed during this type of joint preservation surgery to alleviate pain, stiffness, and inflammation of these tissues.
• Microfracture of the bone: During this joint preservation procedure, Dr. Lamplot will make tiny holes in the affected bone to release small amounts of bone marrow. The bone marrow will then collect within the damaged part of the shoulder and create a new type of tissue similar to the cartilage that had been degraded. This new tissue helps to restore the function of the cartilage once provided.

What is the recovery like after joint preservation surgery?

The recovery period after joint preservation surgery will vary between each patient. Many factors can affect recovery time including the complexity of the surgery performed and compliance with physical therapy. Immediately following joint preservation surgery, patients will need to wear an arm sling to immobilize and protect the healing joint. Patients will then begin physical therapy to increase the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of their shoulder, usually within a few days of surgery. It is imperative that patients participate in the recommended physical therapy program to aid their healing and recovery. Dr. Lamplot will provide each patient with detailed postoperative instructions as well as an individualized timeline to full recovery.