Shoulder cartilage and arthritis
Treatment of chondral and osteochondral lesions and arthroscopic management of the degenerative glenohumeral joint.
- What it is
- The cartilage of the glenohumeral joint can be damaged by trauma, repeated dislocations or wear. Focal lesions and early arthritis cause pain, crepitus, swelling and loss of motion.
- When it is indicated
- For symptomatic focal lesions and for early or moderate arthritis in patients who are not candidates for, or do not want, a joint replacement. Surgery is considered when physiotherapy, medication and injections do not control symptoms.
- How it is performed
- Arthroscopically, chondroplasty, microfracture or nanofracture, synovectomy and removal of loose bodies are performed. In selected cases cartilage restoration techniques are applied. These are palliative procedures that aim to reduce pain and keep the patient's own joint.
- Recovery
- A sling for comfort and early motion. Pain relief is usually progressive over weeks, with physiotherapy to regain movement.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Chondroplasty
- Microfracture and nanofracture
- Cartilage restoration techniques in selected cases
- Synovectomy and removal of loose bodies
- Palliative procedures in the degenerative glenohumeral joint
Other procedures
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder instability and recurrent dislocation
- SLAP tears and biceps pathology
- Acromioclavicular joint injuries
- Shoulder stiffness and adhesive capsulitis
- Complex rotator cuff reconstructions
- Shoulder arthroscopy
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.