Was diagnosed with arthritis in shoulder AC joint. Was told there is a surgical fix wherein they shave off a..

Question

...little bone from the clavical, and the resulting scar tissue fills in the joint to replace the missing cartilage. Anyone ever had this surgery? If so, can you describe your experience with it? Pros and cons? Did it solve your problem? How long was recovery period, etc.?

Thank you both for the great answers so far. I appreciate it.

Answer 1

I didn't have this surgery in order to stop arthritis but I have had my clavical shaved as part of an operation to stabilize a shoulder that kept dislocating on the rugby field. I was beginning to have arthritis in my late teens as a result of the wear and tear to my AC joint and the operation totally eleviated this excrutiating pain at the same time as giving me an incredibly stable shoulder that still stands up to severe punishment every Saturday.

It took 12 weeks for me to recover from this operation and due to the shaving of the bone in order to help me avoid serious arthritis in future, I spent these 12 weeks in a shoulder brace that stuck my arm to my body (literally). This wasn't too painful or debilitating though and that summer I walked across the Pyrenees mountains in the south of France with no problems at all.

If you take your physio seriously and do what you're told then I think you could be recovered and back to full strength well within 3 months - I had full reconstruction surgery and was back playing 9 months later. Go for a consultation at a good clinic and get in touch with a physiotherapist in advance to plan your recovery and have a better idea of what your limitations will be during the recovery period.

Answer 2

I've not been diagnosed with arthritis. I do think I'm starting to have some problems. Like you if I can avoid a pill, I won't take it. The pain pills work fast but I worry about long term effects. Here's some things I've tried. They help. If you smoke--stop. Pay attention to food that trigger inflammation. This is easy to google. Figure out whether you are an "ice your knee" person or a "heat pad" person. And do that. I sometimes sleep with a heating pad. I don't take medication when I do this. (I sometimes use Aleve when all else fails. Think of things you can do stay off your knees. Try a knee brace. I wear one at work if my knee bothers me. It helps hold things together. I've learned to do some kitchen chores like peeling potatoes sitting on a stool. And don't let your knees ruin your trip to Disney World. Rent a wheel chair or scooter to keep some weight off your knees. You can spend an hour at a time there standing in lines. A friend of mine (diagnosed with arthritis) swears by swimming in a heated pool. She says if she misses her swim for more than a day, she can feel it. My son suffered with his back and knee for two years after a serious auto accident (at 34 years old). He used some sort of machine that delivered tiny electric shocks to his knee and back. He uses that rarely now but says it helps when nothing else will. He put it on my knee after a two hour shopping trip. I adjusted the voltage and darned if that thing didn't do the trick. I assume that a chiropractor or physical therapist might know about this. You might also check with hospitals and clinics to see if there are any pain management classes or programs near where you live. You take care of yourself. Thirty-two is just too young to have to deal with arthritis. I hope you find some solutions.

Answer 3

Before you opt for the surgery, rub 100% peanut oil into the affected area. You should experience results in a few days. If after about 2 wks you do not notice any relief than you may want to opt for the surgery. If you are already missing cartilage than the oil probably won't help. Good luck

Answer 4

Yes my mother in law had the surgery done and she is doing great she has hardly any pain in her shoulder any more. I don't know details but I do know for her it worked. Her recovery time was about six weeks long, she had to have theropy to help the stiffness in her shoulder. She is doing fine today.

Answer 5

The price of shoulder surgery is very low in India as compared to USA, UK and Canada. My cousin also got her hip replacement surgery in India through the forerunners healthcare .She is more than very happy with the results. She is totally pain free now. She just paid 25% of the amount she was quoted in USA and is all praise for this forerunners healthcare company.


Forerunners Healthcare is very famous in India. I read a lot about them in the Newspapers and magazines. I have read a lot of their patient stories also. They arrange financing for USA, Canadian, UK and other international patients who plan to have surgery abroad for low price, as all joint surgery is not covered by insurance in USA or by NHS in the UK. They also have photos pasted of their International patients. You can checkout their website. There are huge cost savings. As a doctor I personally believe that your surgery can be easily handled in India, as the quality of healthcare available In India is simply best in the world. The surgeons are USA/UK trained and facilities are 5 star.

http://www.forerunnershealthcare.com
Hope this helps.