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HomeAbout Prognosis and impactsIncidence and risk factorsIncidence Acquisition Genetics Communicability Lifestyle risk factors Injury & trauma risk factors Prevention SymptomsCauses and effectsDiagnosis and evaluation Management and treatment CopingResearchConclusion

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Shoulder arthritis

Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Thursday, April 03, 2008

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Incidence and risk factors

Incidence

Arthritis is a common cause of loss of comfort and function. Shoulder arthritis is, after the knee and hip, the third most common joint to require surgical reconstruction for arthritis. Joint replacement for shoulder arthritis is most commonly performed on individuals ranging in age from 45 to 85. Males and females are equally affected. The risk of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is increased in individuals with a history of prior shoulder injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in females.

Acquisition

There is no known pattern of inheritance for shoulder arthritis, although some families do have an increased prevalence. While shoulder arthritis can be attributed to heavy physical use of the shoulder or to shoulder injury, many individuals have shoulder arthritis without a recognized cause.

Genetics

Genetic factors for shoulder arthritis are yet to be determined, but research in this field is active.

Communicability

Shoulder arthritis is not contagious.

Lifestyle risk factors

Diet and metabolism are rarely factors in the development of shoulder arthritis. The exception is gout.

Injury & trauma risk factors

The risk of shoulder arthritis is increased by previous injury or surgery of the shoulder.

Prevention

The risk of shoulder arthritis may be reduced by avoiding shoulder injury and by maintaining the flexibility of the shoulder using gentle stretching exercises.

Surgery for Shoulder arthritis at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.

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