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Glenohumeral Arthritis (Including Cuff Tear Arthropathy)

What is the Glenohumeral Joint?


The glenohumeral joint is the main “ball-and-socket” of the shoulder, where the humeral head (ball) fits into the glenoid socket of the shoulder blade. Cartilage covers these surfaces to allow smooth, pain-free motion.


What is This Condition?


  • Arthritis occurs when the cartilage wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and grinding.

  • Cuff tear arthropathy is a special form that develops when long-standing rotator cuff tears cause the ball to ride upward and damage the joint.


What Causes It?


  • Normal aging and wear-and-tear

  • Previous shoulder injuries or fractures

  • Rotator cuff tears that go untreated

  • Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis


What are the Symptoms?


  • Deep shoulder pain that worsens with activity

  • Stiffness and loss of range of motion

  • Grinding, catching, or popping in the joint

  • Pain at night that can disturb sleep

  • Weakness, especially if associated with a large rotator cuff tear


How is It Diagnosed?


  • History and exam: pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and grinding sensations

  • X-rays: show loss of joint space, bone spurs, or bone changes

  • CT or MRI: sometimes used for surgical planning or to assess the rotator cuff


How is It Treated?


Non-surgical:


  • Activity modification and rest

  • NSAIDs and pain-relieving medications

  • Physical therapy to maintain motion and strength

  • Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and pain


Surgical:


  • Arthroscopic “clean-up” procedures in early arthritis

  • Shoulder replacement surgery (anatomic or reverse arthroplasty) for advanced cases

  • Reverse shoulder replacement is often preferred for cuff tear arthropathy


Learn more from AAOS (OrthoInfo):

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/arthritis-of-the-shoulder/

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