Degenerative & Arthritic
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Understanding and Treating Arthritis After a Spine Injury
When the spine is injured — whether from a car accident, sports injury, or fall — the affected joints and discs may suffer lasting damage. Over time, this damage can accelerate wear and tear, leading to a condition known as post-traumatic arthritis. At Desert Spine and Pain, we help patients across Phoenix and Arizona understand and manage this condition. Led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS, a nationally recognized neurosurgeon, our team specializes in diagnosing complex spinal problems and offering both conservative and advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
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What Is Post-Traumatic Arthritis?
Post-traumatic arthritis develops after a spinal injury causes:
Cartilage loss in the facet joints
Irregular joint surfaces that increase friction
Bone spurs (osteophytes) as the body attempts to repair damage
Accelerated degeneration of discs and surrounding tissues
This condition can appear months or years after an initial injury.
Causes and Risk Factors
Spinal fractures – Even if healed, they can alter alignment and load distribution
Ligament or joint injuries – Damage destabilizes joints, leading to arthritis
Prior surgery – Certain spinal surgeries may increase stress at nearby joints
Sports or occupational trauma – Repeated high-impact strain
Genetics and lifestyle – May influence how quickly arthritis develops after injury
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Chronic neck or back pain at the site of injury
Stiffness and reduced flexibility
Pain aggravated by activity, relieved with rest
Grinding, clicking, or popping sensations in the spine
Radiating pain into arms or legs if nerves are affected
Limited mobility interfering with daily activities
Diagnosis
At Desert Spine and Pain, evaluation includes:
Medical history & exam – Including details of prior injuries or surgeries
Imaging –
X-rays show joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or malalignment
MRI reveals cartilage damage, inflammation, and nerve compression
CT scans may be used for bone detail in complex cases
Diagnostic injections – To confirm whether arthritic joints are the true pain source
Treatment Options
Conservative Care
Medications (anti-inflammatories, pain relievers)
Physical Therapy to restore strength and mobility
Lifestyle modifications (weight management, posture correction, smoking cessation)
Heat, ice, and activity pacing
Interventional Pain Management
Facet joint injections – Reduce inflammation and confirm pain source
Medial branch blocks & RFA – Provide longer-lasting relief for facet arthritis
Epidural Steroid Injections – If nerve compression is part of the problem
Surgical Options
When conservative measures fail and arthritis leads to instability or stenosis, surgery may be considered:
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) – Smaller incisions, quicker recovery
Spinal Fusion – Stabilizes affected levels
Laminectomy / Foraminotomy – Relieves nerve pressure from bone spurs or stenosis
Recovery Timeline
Conservative care – Improvement often within weeks to months
Injections or RFA – Relief may last 6–12 months, repeatable as needed
Surgery – Recovery depends on procedure; MIS may allow return to activity in weeks, while fusion requires several months
Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?
Nationally recognized neurosurgeon – Dr. Greenwald specializes in treating post-traumatic and degenerative spine disorders
Conservative-first philosophy – Surgery only when truly necessary
Comprehensive treatment options – From therapy and injections to advanced surgical solutions
Compassionate care – We provide reassurance and clarity every step of the way
Frequently Asked Questions
How is post-traumatic arthritis different from regular arthritis?
It develops after a specific injury, whereas regular osteoarthritis occurs naturally with aging.
How long after an injury does post-traumatic arthritis develop?
It may appear months to years later, depending on injury severity and lifestyle factors.
Can post-traumatic arthritis be prevented?
While not always preventable, proper rehabilitation and alignment correction after an injury reduce the risk.
Do all cases of post-traumatic arthritis require surgery?
No. Many improve with conservative treatments like PT, injections, and RFA. Surgery is only for severe or persistent cases.
How does Desert Spine and Pain treat post-traumatic arthritis differently?
We combine neurosurgical expertise with a conservative-first approach and advanced minimally invasive surgical options.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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Your Journey Starts with us.
If you’re living with pain or stiffness from post-traumatic arthritis, Dr. Greenwald and his caring team are here to help you find relief and restore function. We’ll work with you to identify the underlying damage and design a treatment plan that supports your recovery and long-term joint health. Every step you take toward healing brings you closer to regaining your strength and comfort. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and renewed mobility.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon with extensive experience treating post-traumatic arthritis, a condition that develops after an injury to the spine or surrounding joints. This form of arthritis can arise months or even years after trauma, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and chronic pain as the affected joints begin to deteriorate. Dr. Greenwald utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging to assess the extent of joint damage and creates personalized treatment plans that may include non-surgical therapies, targeted injections, or minimally invasive surgical procedures to restore stability and reduce pain. His expertise and compassionate care have helped patients throughout South Florida regain mobility and improve their quality of life following spinal or joint injuries.
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