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What Causes Pain In Shoulder And Difficulty In Raising Arm?
Question: I am in pain with my shoulder, cant raise my arm, weak and painful. My shoulder x ray shows cystic changes in joint, what does that mean?
Brief Answer:
The x ray shows degenerative change in the cartilage surface and bone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The shoulder joint consists of the humerus (which is bone of the arm), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collar bone). There are also many muscles in the shoulder which together form the rotator cuff. This mechanism of the shoulder joint and rotator cuff help in movements including raising the arm.
2. Cysts in the joint that is seen in x ray refers to the degenerative changes which have occurred in the cartilage layer of the head of humerus which is an important part of the shoulder joint. The bones also show degenerative changes.
3. Your painful restriction of movement in the shoulder is probably due to osteoarthritis which is an age related degenerative change in the shoulder joint and there is degeneration in the the rotator cuff too. Your bone density and mineralisation also might be below normal due to osteoporosis.
4. It is suggested that you discuss your problems with an orthopedician and then proceed with rehab exercises if recommended. Your doctor might request a detailed investigation like a MRI scan shoulder to confirm your condition. In case of significant persisting pain, your doctor might prescribe pain relief medicines and injections.
5. Please avoid excessive use of your painful shoulder and arm.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
The x ray shows degenerative change in the cartilage surface and bone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. The shoulder joint consists of the humerus (which is bone of the arm), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collar bone). There are also many muscles in the shoulder which together form the rotator cuff. This mechanism of the shoulder joint and rotator cuff help in movements including raising the arm.
2. Cysts in the joint that is seen in x ray refers to the degenerative changes which have occurred in the cartilage layer of the head of humerus which is an important part of the shoulder joint. The bones also show degenerative changes.
3. Your painful restriction of movement in the shoulder is probably due to osteoarthritis which is an age related degenerative change in the shoulder joint and there is degeneration in the the rotator cuff too. Your bone density and mineralisation also might be below normal due to osteoporosis.
4. It is suggested that you discuss your problems with an orthopedician and then proceed with rehab exercises if recommended. Your doctor might request a detailed investigation like a MRI scan shoulder to confirm your condition. In case of significant persisting pain, your doctor might prescribe pain relief medicines and injections.
5. Please avoid excessive use of your painful shoulder and arm.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Could this change be due to silicone leakage from the ruptured implant?
Brief Answer:
Leaking silicone implant does not cause joint changes but pain can be felt
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The x ray changes in the shoulder are unlikely to be from the silicone leakage. The cystic changes in shoulder joint are always due to degeneration and cartilage damage.
2. However patients with silicone leakage can have atypical chest pain which is radiating to the shoulder and arm.
3. In conclusion, medical research shows that leaking silicone implant will never cause a joint problem.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Leaking silicone implant does not cause joint changes but pain can be felt
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The x ray changes in the shoulder are unlikely to be from the silicone leakage. The cystic changes in shoulder joint are always due to degeneration and cartilage damage.
2. However patients with silicone leakage can have atypical chest pain which is radiating to the shoulder and arm.
3. In conclusion, medical research shows that leaking silicone implant will never cause a joint problem.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
regarding silicone leakage, what issues can arise due to leakage. I a considering having implant removed, but dont want unnecessary surgery. The other implan shows a bulge, so it could rupture too. These are old implant, installed in 1980, I will not have them replaced.
Brief Answer:
Surgery is recommended if you are having pain in the breast area
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Silicone implants cause a local inflammation of the fibrous tissue around it when there is a leakage. Some patients like you might have symptoms of pain and discomfort, change in size and shape of breast, change in consistency of breast and multiple small bulges in the breast. There are few patients who do not have any pain and discomfort.
2. Patients with pain and soreness in the breast region are recommended surgery to remove the implant. If the pain is not much then you can wait and watch.
3. To know if the other implant has also ruptured, your doctor can recommend a MRI scan. This investigation helps to know even small implant rupture.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Surgery is recommended if you are having pain in the breast area
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Silicone implants cause a local inflammation of the fibrous tissue around it when there is a leakage. Some patients like you might have symptoms of pain and discomfort, change in size and shape of breast, change in consistency of breast and multiple small bulges in the breast. There are few patients who do not have any pain and discomfort.
2. Patients with pain and soreness in the breast region are recommended surgery to remove the implant. If the pain is not much then you can wait and watch.
3. To know if the other implant has also ruptured, your doctor can recommend a MRI scan. This investigation helps to know even small implant rupture.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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