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What Does "near Full Thickness Loss Of Cartilage Of The Mid To Inferior Joint" Mean?

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Posted on Mon, 26 May 2014
Question: Had an mri. Lots of stuff going on in my shoulder but I'm most concerned about full thickness and near full thickness loss of cartilage of the mid to inferior joint. Poorly defined tearing of the superior, inferior, and anteroinferior aspects of the labrum. Also noted chrondomalacia along the adjacent mid to inferior humeral head. Please, simple English.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are suffering from shoulder osteoarthritis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing to HCM

I have gone through your history and findings in detail.
You are suffering from degenerative joint disease of the shoulder also known as shoulder osteoarthritis.It is progressive,mechanical and biochemical breakdown of the articular cartilage and other joint tissues including bone and joint capsule.
It is due to many reasons.As articular surface wears,friction within the joint increases,causing progressive loss of the normal load bearing surfaces with pain and disability.

According to MRI findings,there is almost total loss of articular cartilage(cartilage that cover bone ends) in shoulder joint from mid joint region extending to inferior joint.

There is also ill defined tear of shoulder glenoid labrum in superior,inferior and anteroinferior aspects.The glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilaginous rim attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity in the shoulder blade.

There is chrondomalacia(means softening and breakdown of cartilage)along the adjacent mid to inferior humeral head region.

Treatment of degenerative shoulder disease includes both conservative and surgical depending upon severity.You should consult orthopedician.You may need surgical intervention.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (10 minutes later)
The orthopedic surgeon recommends continued PT and guided corticosteroids injection but within 6 months to a year undergo shoulder replacement. Am concerned about shoulder replacement. Also what causes the softening? Can I do anything to stop it or prevent it in other joints. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please find detail answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back

Your doctor has suggested you right treatment.
You have advanced shoulder osteoarthritis and surgery(shoulder replacement) is the last option.
Surgery is generally required in refractory cases not improving with conservative management.
Softening of cartilage is also related to degenerative changes.
Osteoarthritis is generally age related finding.However it may develop early due to trauma.It may have genetic relation.
There is no definite way to prevent it to other joints.Only way it to keep your self active in daily life.

Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (27 minutes later)
Thank you very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your comments.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX
Thanks for writing back

Thanks for your comments.

Get well soon.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indu Kumar

Radiologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 6729 Questions

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What Does "near Full Thickness Loss Of Cartilage Of The Mid To Inferior Joint" Mean?

Brief Answer: You are suffering from shoulder osteoarthritis. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM I have gone through your history and findings in detail. You are suffering from degenerative joint disease of the shoulder also known as shoulder osteoarthritis.It is progressive,mechanical and biochemical breakdown of the articular cartilage and other joint tissues including bone and joint capsule. It is due to many reasons.As articular surface wears,friction within the joint increases,causing progressive loss of the normal load bearing surfaces with pain and disability. According to MRI findings,there is almost total loss of articular cartilage(cartilage that cover bone ends) in shoulder joint from mid joint region extending to inferior joint. There is also ill defined tear of shoulder glenoid labrum in superior,inferior and anteroinferior aspects.The glenoid labrum is a fibrocartilaginous rim attached around the margin of the glenoid cavity in the shoulder blade. There is chrondomalacia(means softening and breakdown of cartilage)along the adjacent mid to inferior humeral head region. Treatment of degenerative shoulder disease includes both conservative and surgical depending upon severity.You should consult orthopedician.You may need surgical intervention. Get well soon. Hope I have answered your question. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX