osteoarthritis (shoulder)

Last edited 06/2020

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint is usually secondary to local trauma or long-standing rotator cuff lesions.

Typically, a patient between the ages of 50-60 years will present with a history of injury or painful arc syndrome. There may be a conspicuous prominence of the joint from arthritic lipping, or this may only be evident radiologically along with sclerosis and joint distortion.

Conservative measures include simple analgesia, topical/oral NSAIDs and injection therapy. The latter might be directed at the glenohumeral joint, the subacromial space or the acromioclavicular joint depending on the precise nature of the symptoms.

If conservative treatment is ineffectual, arthroplasty may be appropriate. Arthroplasty often reduces pain with little improvement in mobility.

Procedures for primary elective shoulder replacement

• shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis with no rotator cuff tear (1)
• if glenoid bone is adequate, offer conventional total shoulder replacement to people having primary elective shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis with no rotator cuff tear

Reference:

• NICE (June 2020). Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder