Osteoarthritis of the shoulder

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a condition where the smooth articular cartilage is progressively lost from the shoulder joint resulting in secondary hardening of the joint surfaces and overgrowth of bone around the edge of the joint and the formation of loose bony bodies in the joint.

The muscles and tendons around the shoulder are not directly affected.

Osteoarthritis is said to be the result of wear and tear on the joint. It can be seen many years after joint injury such as fractures or dislocation. More frequently however it is unrelated to trauma. Overall this condition is much less common than in weight bearing joints such as the hip or the knee.

Symptoms are often gradual with pain on lying on the shoulder and progressive restriction of movement. It may take several years to deteriorate to a point where pain is requiring medical or surgical intervention.Not all arthritis will require intervention. Many individuals will experience no significant change in symptoms over many years.

Treatment depends on the level of pain, the degree of restricted movement and a persons demands. Medications such as anti-inflammatory taken periodically may help symptoms. Intra-articular anti-inflammatory injections may help. Definitive treatment is by replacing the shoulder joint with an anatomically designed shoulder replacement.