Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative condition in which the smooth cartilage covering the ball and socket of the shoulder joint wears away, leading to bone-on-bone contact, pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. It is a significant cause of shoulder disability, particularly in adults over 50.

Types of Shoulder Arthritis

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is the most common form, involving wear of the articular cartilage of the ball-and-socket joint. It typically causes progressive pain, stiffness, and loss of internal rotation.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis affects the joint at the top of the shoulder and is very common, often causing pain with cross-body movements. Post-traumatic arthritis follows prior shoulder fractures or dislocations. Rotator cuff arthropathy develops when a massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to secondary joint destruction.

Treatment

Non-surgical management includes activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections.

Surgical options range from arthroscopic debridement for early-stage disease to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) for end-stage glenohumeral arthritis. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is used when significant rotator cuff deficiency is present.

Common Symptoms

Deep shoulder pain, worse with activity
Stiffness and loss of range of motion
Grinding or crepitus with shoulder movement
Pain at night and with overhead activities
Difficulty reaching behind the back
Progressive weakness

Treatment Options

Activity modification and NSAIDs
Physical therapy
Corticosteroid injections
Viscosupplementation
Arthroscopic debridement
Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA)

Ready to Get Help?

Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating shoulder arthritis. Schedule a consultation today.

Request Appointment (954) 635-5300