Name of the Condition

• Primary osteoarthritis, left shoulder
• Also known as degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder

Summary

Primary osteoarthritis of the left shoulder is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Causes

• Natural wear and tear of the shoulder joint cartilage over time.
• Overuse or repetitive use of the shoulder joint.
• Previous injuries to the shoulder that might predispose degeneration.

Risk Factors

• Age: Typically affects individuals over 50.
• Family history of osteoarthritis.
• Participation in activities or occupations that stress the shoulder joint.
• Obesity, which can contribute to joint stress and inflammation.

Symptoms

• Persistent shoulder pain, particularly during or after movement.
• Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity.
• Reduced range of motion in the shoulder.
• Swelling or tenderness around the shoulder joint.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to assess range of motion and pain.
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to visualize the extent of cartilage damage.
• Medical history review to rule out other potential causes of shoulder pain.

Treatment Options

• Medications: Pain relievers such as NSAIDs to reduce inflammation.
• Physical therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility and strength.
• Corticosteroid injections: To manage inflammation and pain.
• Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like shoulder arthroscopy or joint replacement might be necessary.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The condition is chronic but manageable with appropriate treatment.
• Regular follow-up is important to monitor the progression and effectiveness of treatments.
• Most patients can maintain a good quality of life with ongoing management.

Complications

• Progressive loss of shoulder joint function.
• Increased risk of developing compensatory injuries in adjacent joints and muscles.
• Avoidance of activities that may exacerbate symptoms.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Engage in regular low-impact exercise to maintain joint flexibility.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint stress.
• Use supportive measures, like wearing shoulder braces if necessary.
• Avoid repetitive stress on the shoulder.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden increase in shoulder pain or swelling.
• Noticeable decrease in shoulder mobility or strength.
• Severe pain that interferes with daily life activities.

Additional Resources

• Arthritis Foundation: arthritis.org
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: orthoinfo.aaos.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to specify the laterality as left shoulder for accurate coding.
• Verify documentation indicates primary osteoarthritis to distinguish from secondary causes.
• Avoid miscoding with other types of shoulder joint disorders or injuries.