Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis
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Degenerative Joint Disease Affecting the Ball-and-Socket of the Shoulder
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.