Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

What Is Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis?

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage covering the ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint progressively wears away. As this cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and limited motion. This is the most common type of arthritis affecting the shoulder’s ball-and-socket joint.

Causes and Risk Factors

Natural aging and “wear and tear” over time
Previous shoulder injury or fracture
History of rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability
Repetitive overhead activity or heavy labor
Autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

Gradual onset of deep shoulder pain, especially during activity
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Difficulty with overhead tasks, reaching behind the back, or lifting
Shoulder crepitus (grinding or clicking sounds with movement)
Pain at night, often disturbing sleep
Muscle weakness around the shoulder

Diagnosis

Physical exam assessing motion, tenderness, and joint mechanics
X-rays reveal:
- Joint space narrowing
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Sclerosis or cyst formation
MRI or CT scan may be used for detailed surgical planning or evaluation of surrounding soft tissues
Diagnostic joint injection may confirm that the source of pain is within the glenohumeral joint

Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Activity modification to reduce pain-inducing motion
NSAIDs for pain and inflammation
Physical therapy to:
- Maintain joint mobility
- Improve shoulder mechanics and reduce compensatory strain
Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief
Viscosupplementation (in select cases) to lubricate the joint

Surgical Treatment

Considered when symptoms are severe or unresponsive to conservative care
Options include:
- Total shoulder replacement (anatomic or reverse) for advanced arthritis
- Hemiarthroplasty (replacement of only the humeral head)
- Arthroscopic debridement in early-stage arthritis

Recovery Outlook

With non-surgical care, symptoms can often be managed for months or years
After surgery:
- Hospital stay is usually 1–2 days
- Shoulder sling for 2–4 weeks
- Physical therapy begins within the first week
- Return to daily activities typically within 3–4 months
- Full recovery and return to higher-level function by 6–9 months

Why Kerlan Jobe Institute?

The joint specialists at Kerlan Jobe Institute are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder arthritis. Whether through advanced surgical options or customized non-operative plans, our team provides personalized care to restore function and quality of life.