Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the Fingers is a little-understood, sometimes genetic disorder that can lead to finger injury and degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage forming joints gradually wears away, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness and the development of bone spurs that can visibly deform the digit. The condition can be managed through a temporary reduction in activity, anti-inflammatory medications, therapy and cortisone injection. Instances of crippling, chronic pain in the fingers may indicate the need for surgery, which usually entails arthroscopic or open joint debridement, replacement (arthroplasty) or fusion (arthrodesis).

Osteoarthritis of the Wrist is the term for the deterioration of joint surfaces that connect the eight small bones comprising the wrist. The rubbery cartilage that prevents bone ends from rubbing against each other can be damaged through wrist injuries, cumulative overuse or genetics, leading to the pain and stiffness typical of the disease. Conservative approaches to osteoarthritis include anti-inflammatory drugs, occupational therapy, splinting and cortisone injection, while arthroscopic debridement, arthrodesisor replacement arthroplasty may be needed in instances that are unresponsive to such treatments.

Osteoarthritis of the Elbow is the gradual wearing away of the cartilage that protects the elbow joint. As with the fingers, wrist and shoulder, osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs most often when a traumatic earlier accident has damaged the elbow surface or ligament in some way. Alternately, chronic overuse—as seen in baseball pitchers—or advanced age can lead to the condition, which is evident in pain, limited range of motion and a grating sensation when the elbow moves. Numbness in the ring and small finger and weakness of the hand and wrist can also occur due to swelling and pressure against the ulnar nerve. Nonsurgical treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and avoiding activities that strain the elbow; in more advanced cases, arthroscopic surgery can help remove damaged tissue, smooth irregular surfaces and encourage cartilage regeneration and motion. In cases of contracture-limited motion- and osteoarthritis, an Osteocapsular Arthroplasty can be considered.  Replacement arthroplasty is also a possibility in severely damaged joints.

Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder is the result of injury or age-induced “wear and tear” of either or both of the two joints that connect the collarbone, shoulder bone, upper arm bone and shoulder blade. The more common form of osteoarthritis affects the joint at the top of the shoulder (acromioclavicular joint) and produces such symptoms as pain, limited motion and clicking or grinding. Physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and regular icing can help in early treatments, though surgical interventions—usually arthroscopic—are generally most effective in reducing pain and restoring motion. Arthritis of the gleno-humeral joint is treated with anti-inflammatories, cortisone injection, physical therapy, arthroscopic debridement or, in severe cases, partial or total joint replacement.