Your Leading Shoulder Arthritis Surgeon in Pittsburgh

Arthritis is the general term used to describe inflammation of the joints, with shoulder arthritis being a type that specifically affects the shoulder joint. There are many different types of arthritis, but some of the common are:

Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, often is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue. It usually affects the hands and feet, but can also affect the shoulder joint.

The symptoms of arthritis can vary based on the type of arthritis a patient is experiencing. Some common symptoms can generally include pain, stiffness, weakness, inflammation, and difficulty moving the affected joint. If these symptoms last for more than two weeks, it's important to see an orthopaedic doctor near you for an evaluation as soon as possible.

Your orthopaedic doctor will diagnose arthritis through understanding your medical history, conducting a physical exam, and taking X-rays of the affected part. When diagnosing an arthritic shoulder, your orthopaedic specialist may find shoulder arthritis symptoms such as:

A cartilage lining that is thinner than normal or completely absent.
A swollen capsule of the arthritic shoulder.
A joint space that is narrowed and irregular in outline, which can be seen in an X-ray image.
Built up bone spurs or excessive bone around the edges of the joint.

Dr. Brian J. Kelly MD, one of the top orthopaedic surgeons in the Pittsburgh area, can diagnose shoulder arthritis and develop an effective treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. You can find an exceptional orthopaedic shoulder specialist near you when you reach out to Brian J. Kelly MD for pain relief.

Appointments

Shoulder orthopaedic Surgeon Near Me

At Brian J. Kelly MD, we offer comprehensive treatment for shoulder arthritis. Our orthopaedic surgeons are experienced in treating all types of shoulder arthritis, and we offer a range of surgical and non-surgical options. When medication, injections, physical therapy, and activity changes do not help relieve pain, surgery is an effective treatment option. Your orthopaedic doctor may recommend surgery when you have the following symptoms:

Severe shoulder pain that restricts daily activities.
Moderate to severe pain during rest.
Weakness and/or loss of motion.

Brian J. Kelly MD offers shoulder joint replacement surgery to relieve your symptoms. Shoulder joint replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment for shoulder arthritis, and Dr. Kelly is experienced in performing this surgery. The procedure involves removing the damaged parts of the shoulder joint and replacing them with artificial prostheses. A total shoulder replacement involves the replacement of both the humeral head and the socket.

Shoulder replacement surgery can significantly relieve pain and restore function to the shoulder joint. If you are living with shoulder arthritis, let Dr. Brian Kelly's orthopaedic team help you get back to a pain-free life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with experienced shoulder surgeons near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cause of arthritis?

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that covers the bone ends in a joint becomes worn out. This might be caused by putting strain on it for long periods or as a result of other joint diseases, fractures, or abnormalities.

Primary osteoarthritis is generally linked to aging and general deterioration of the joints. Secondary osteoarthritis is generally the consequence of another disease or condition, such as repeated trauma or surgery to the affected joint, or abnormal joint structures from birth.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results when genes involved in the condition are activated by infection or other environmental influences. The body produces antibodies against the joint as a result of this stimulus, which might lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

How do I know if I need osteoarthritis shoulder surgery?

Dr. Kelly will evaluate your condition thoroughly and help you decide whether total shoulder replacement is a good option for you. He reviews your medical history and performs a physical examination of your shoulder to assess the extent of mobility and pain. He will also order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

What does recovery from shoulder replacement surgery entail?

After shoulder replacement surgery, medications and antibiotics are prescribed to control pain and prevent infection, and your arm may be secured in a sling or cast. The rehabilitation program includes physical therapy, which is started soon after the surgery.

Rehabilitation is very important to strengthen and provide mobility to the shoulder after your procedure. You may be able to perform gentle daily activities two to six weeks after surgery.

How can I get started with an orthopaedic shoulder specialist near me?

No one should have to live with chronic shoulder pain. Dr. Kelly and his team are dedicated to helping you achieve long-lasting pain relief.

If you are looking for an orthopaedic surgeon in moon township, look no further than Dr. Brian J. Kelly MD. You can contact us by phone at 412-262-7800, or visit our office at 725 Cherrington Pkwy, Suite 200, Moon Township, PA 15208.