Guide To The Symptoms, Causes, And Complications Of Shoulder Impingement

Adhesive Capsulitis

Adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder") is a condition in which shoulder movement becomes painful. In the first stage of this condition, any movement of the shoulder is accompanied by pain, and the patient's range of motion gradually becomes more and more restricted. In the second stage, pain may be reduced, and the shoulder becomes very stiff. Patients typically have difficulty using their shoulder at this stage. In the third and final stage, the range of motion in the shoulder starts to improve. Each stage of this condition may last several months, and patients could experience more severe pain at night. Individuals who have a condition that limits their shoulder movement could develop adhesive capsulitis. For example, it is common in patients recovering from surgery or a period of immobility. To treat frozen shoulder, doctors typically use physical therapy, pain relievers, and steroid injections. Some patients might need surgical procedures such as shoulder manipulation.

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Cuff Tear Arthropathy

In some cases, shoulder impingement could lead to rotator cuff tear arthropathy. This condition develops gradually over several years, and it is characterized by severe arthritis of the shoulder accompanied by a large tear in the rotator cuff. Patients typically have a shifting of the normal position of the ball within the shoulder socket, and they also have significantly reduced function of the rotator cuff itself. Swelling may be present around the shoulder, and the muscles in this area might atrophy as well. Physical examination, x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans may be used in the diagnosis of cuff tear arthropathy. Patients with this condition are often advised to have a surgical procedure known as a reverse shoulder replacement. Standard shoulder replacement surgeries are not usually successful for patients with significant rotator cuff injuries. The reverse shoulder replacement procedure involves placing an implant that forms a new socket on top of the humerus bone in the arm, and this eliminates the need for a functioning rotator cuff.

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