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Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis.

Last updated Wednesday, January 09, 2008

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Nonoperative treatment

Glenohumeral joint arthritis is commonly accompanied by stiffness related to contracture and adhesions involving the glenohumeral capsule, the cuff muscles, and the nonarticular humeroscapular motion interface. Click here to read more about "Shoulder Arthritis".

Causes and complications of roughness

Weakness of the cuff muscles results from disuse or fiber failure. Instability patterns may also complicate glenohumeral roughness, such as the posterior subluxation characteristic of degenerative joint disease and capsulorrhaphy arthropathy or the superior subluxation characteristic of cuff tear arthropathy. There is a lot about these conditions that needs management!

Nonoperative management possibilities

Because glenohumeral roughness is usually of insidious onset and chronic duration, there is ample opportunity to try nonoperative management. In many instances of glenohumeral arthritis, the mechanics of the shoulder can be improved by a program of patient-conducted gentle range of motion and strengthening exercises (see Home Exercises for the Rough Shoulder). It is important that vigorous torques and forces not be applied in an attempt to regain motion because of the concern for causing obligate translation and accelerated wear. Nonsteriodal antiinflammatory medication and mild analgesics may be useful adjuncts.

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