ASK THE ORTHOPAEDIC SPORTS MEDICINE EXPERT
Finding the right arthritis treatment for the shoulder
Question: I have very severe shoulder arthritis. What are my options?
Answer: We are constantly in search of new treatments.
Arthritis is essentially the degeneration of the cartilage (smooth surfaces) on the ball and socket of the shoulder joint.
Although the injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) has shown promise in healing soft-tissue injuries, it has not demonstrated the ability to heal diseased cartilage.
While shoulder replacement is a great definitive option for managing shoulder arthritis with great results, I am often asked if there are alternatives.
One alternative is the off-label use of hyaluronic acid injections, which are commonly used to treat knee arthritis. Since the use is off-label, patients have to purchase the medicine out of pocket. We then inject the medicine in the office over the course of three to five weeks.
Of course, cortisone injections are often very effective also.
Dr. David Dare received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, his medical school degree from University of Virginia, his orthopaedic training at the Hospital for Special Surgery, and he spent an extra year of training while completing a fellowship in sports medicine at the #1 ranked Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Read more about Dr. Dare and his role as an orthopedic shoulder surgeon.
For Appointments
Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic
UNC Rex Medical Office Building
781 Avent Ferry Road, Suite 110
Holly Springs, North Carolina 27540
(919) 781-5600
www.raleighortho.com