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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • March 4, 2019
Shoulder Arthritis: Why it Starts and How it’s Treated

Arthritis is often considered to be an affliction of the elderly. Images commonly associated with the condition typically show older patients suffering pain in their hands or knees, and while these cases are certainly prevalent, there are many other presentations. In fact, of the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from arthritis, two-thirds are under the age of 65. Furthermore, the condition can affect virtually any joint in the body, including the shoulder. 


How Does Shoulder Arthritis Begin?

There are many different forms of arthritis, and each develops in its own way. Determining the specific form of arthritis that is present is key to understanding how the condition began in the first place. Generally speaking, there are five main types of arthritis which may impact the shoulder. These include:

  • Osteoarthritis – Degenerative (wear and tear) arthritis that occurs over time
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Arthritis resulting from an autoimmune disease
  • Posttraumatic Arthritis – A specific form of osteoarthritis that develops following acute trauma to the joint
  • Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy – A condition in which arthritis develops due to a sizeable, long-standing tear of the rotator cuff tendon
  • Avascular Necrosis – A condition in which blood supply to the shoulder joint is disrupted leading to break down of the joint and the development of arthritis.


Once the specific type of shoulder arthritis has been identified, patients and their orthopedic physicians can begin to develop a plan for treatment and symptom relief.


How is Shoulder Arthritis Treated?

Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, there are a number of potential treatment options which may be explored. Initially, most patients will begin with nonsurgical options such as physical therapy, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and prescription medications. However, it more severe cases or those for which other treatments have failed, surgical intervention may be necessary. Most frequently, these surgeries fall into one of two main categories:

  • Arthroscopy – A technique using small incisions, a lighted scope, and special surgical instruments to see and debride (clear out) inflamed tissue and cartilage within the joint.
  • Arthroplasty – Shoulder joint replacement surgery that may be used for more advanced cases. There are different types of arthroplasty which may be performed based on individual patient needs.


Treating Shoulder Arthritis in Baton Rouge

If you are suffering from pain and physical limitations of the shoulder, arthritis could be to blame. The condition can affect nearly anyone and presents in many different forms. An orthopedic physician who specializes in both the shoulder joint and the treatment of arthritis can help determine the cause of your discomfort and expertly guide you through the best treatment options. 

In Baton Rouge, such shoulder specialists can be found at the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. Click below to learn more about our doctors and to request a consultation.

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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