Shoulder arthritis

Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Wednesday, May 14, 2008

About

Basics of shoulder arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a clinical condition in which the joint that connects the ball of the arm bone (humeral head) to the shoulder blade socket (glenoid) has damaged or worn out cartilage (click here to read more). Normally the ends of the bone are covered with hyaline articular cartilage, a surface so smooth that the friction at the joint is less than that of an ice skate on ice. In arthritis, this cartilage is progressively lost, exposing the bone beneath. Shoulder arthritis is characterized by pain, stiffness, and loss of function and often by a grinding on shoulder motion.

For patients with severe shoulder arthritis that does not respond to non-operative treatment,  shoulder surgery can be very helpful. Depending on the condition of the shoulder and the specific expectations of the patient, surgical options include total shoulder joint replacement arthroplasty, 'ream and run' (humeral hemiarthroplasty with non prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty, and reverse (Delta) total shoulder joint replacement arthroplasty.

Immediate medical attention

There are a few medical emergencies with shoulder arthritis. Generally this is a chronic condition. If the shoulder is hot and swollen, infectious arthritis may be present, and immediate evaluation is needed.

Facts and myths

Many individuals do not know that arthritis can affect the shoulder. Although the shoulder is less likely to be involved with arthritis than the hip or knee, shoulder arthritis is actually quite common. While in the past there were no effective surgical procedures for shoulder arthritis, now advanced techniques in surgical reconstruction can help restore comfort and function to the shoulder.

Lethality

The only type of shoulder arthritis that is potentially deadly is infectious arthritis, that is arthritis associated with a major infection of the joint.

Pain

Pain is a common component of shoulder arthritis. Individuals with shoulder arthritis often have pain at night that prevents sleep. The pain is located in the area of the shoulder joint and may be increased by physical activity.

Curability

Shoulder arthritis cannot be cured with pills, injections, or changes in diet.

Fertility and pregnancy

Women with shoulder arthritis may have difficulty in caring for their children (click here for more about "pregnancy and arthritis")

Daily activities

Loss of shoulder motion is common in shoulder arthritis. Shoulder arthritis may affect the individual’s daily activities, such as sleeping, housework, driving, as well as the individual’s ability to shake hands, hug, and have intimate relationships. (click here for more about "living with arthritis - self-help skills" and "living with arthritis - arthritis and work")

Energy

Individuals with chronic shoulder pain often feel fatigued because of the extra effort required to cope with the condition. (click here for more about "fatigued")

Other impacts

Shoulder arthritis is usually not associated with a major deformity, although some types of arthritis can result in substantial swelling around the joint.

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.


Anatomy

Shoulder arthritis affects the glenohumeral joint, that is the joint between the ball of the arm bone (the humeral head) and the socket of the shoulder blade (the glenoid). It may also affect the rotator cuff.

Initial symptoms

The first symptoms from shoulder arthritis are often stiffness, pain at night and difficulty using the arm for activities overhead and out to the side. The symptoms may wax and wane over time, sometimes being aggravated by changes in the weather.

Symptoms

Shoulder arthritis may cause pain, inability to sleep, stiffness and grinding when the joint is moved.

Progression

Shoulder arthritis may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on the type of arthritis.

Secondary effects

Shoulder arthritis may cause aching up and down the arm, but usually does not produce numbness, tingling or weakness of the hand.

Conditions with similar symptoms

The symptoms of shoulder arthritis may at times be similar to the symptoms of frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, or even a pinched nerve in the neck (cervical radiculopathy).


Causes

Shoulder arthritis often arises without a known cause. On the other hand, it may be caused by injury, surgery, heavy use, infection or systemic conditions such as

Effects

In shoulder arthritis, the normally smooth cartilage that covers the ends of the bones is lost and the bone ends start to erode (click here for more about FAQ about Arthritis). This cases pain, stiffness and grinding on shoulder motion.


Diagnosis

A physician diagnoses shoulder arthritis by taking a good history of the problem, performing a thorough physical examination of the shoulder and neck, and taking precise X-rays to evaluate the status of the joint. In osteoarthritis, X-rays typically show loss of the normal joint space, bone spurs (osteophytes), and loss of centering of the ball in the socket (click here for more about "Total shoulder joint replacement")

Diagnostic tests

Laboratory tests, other than routine blood and urine tests, are usually not necessary. In special cases additional tests, such as an MRI, CT scan or lab tests may be helpful.

Effects

The tests are not usually uncomfortable or invasive. Sometimes the shoulder is so stiff that positioning the arm for the X-rays is painful.

Health care team

Shoulder arthritis can be diagnosed by any physician who has experience in evaluating shoulder conditions. This may be an orthopaedic surgeon, physiatrist, rheumatologist, or primary care physician.

Finding a doctor

Determining the best treatment for an individual with shoulder arthritis requires substantial experience. Because shoulder arthritis is much less common than knee or hip arthritis and because many fewer surgeries are performed for shoulder arthritis than hip or knee arthritis, there are many fewer experienced shoulder surgeons than knee and hip surgeons. Patients considering shoulder joint replacement (total shoulder arthroplasty) should consult with an individual who performs these surgeries frequently. A list of fellowship trained shoulder surgeons can be obtained by consulting the website of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons.


Treatment

All treatment should be performed on the recommendation of a qualified physician. The non-operative management of shoulder arthritis may consist of gentle range of motion exercises, such as those shown at our "Home Exercises for the Rough Shoulder" article and mild non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications if these are well tolerated by the individual (click here for more about FAQ about Arthritis Medications). Sometimes modification of the use of the shoulder, such as reducing impact and load, may be helpful.

Injections of cortisone or other medications have not proved to be durably effective.

If non-operative means are not successful, surgical reconstruction can be considered. Types of surgical reconstruction include the

News Coverage of UW Medical Center's Innovative Shoulder Surgery Ream and run is a new and innovative shoulder replacement surgery designed for adults living an active life. This procedure was pioneered by Dr. Matsen, Chair of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at the UW Medical Center.

Dr. Matsen and Sarah Jackins, physical therapist with the UW Bone and Joint Center, discuss shoulder surgery with an emphasis on patient involvement in this UWTV video.

Dr. Matsen discusses a new and innovative shoulder replacement surgery designed for adults living an active life.
Dr. Matsen discusses a new and innovative shoulder replacement surgery featuring a reverse ball/socket technique that can lessen pain and improve function in shoulders with failed surgery or combined arthritis, rotator cuff tears and instability issues.

Self-management

The patient may be able to improve the comfort and function of the shoulder with home exercises and mild medication. However, these should be performed only under the direction of a qualified physician. There are many common sense approaches to managing arthritis (click here for more about FAQ about living with arthritis).

Health care team

Most cases of advanced shoulder arthritis are managed by orthopaedic surgeons with special training in shoulder reconstruction. Less severe shoulder arthritis can be managed by rheumatologists, physiatrists, and primary care physicians.

Pain and fatigue

An important part of the management of the person with shoulder arthritis is to manage the entire health of the individual (i.e. managing arthritis pain). If the pain is severe enough to require narcotics, specialists in pain management are often needed. If fatigue is a major feature of the condition, evaluation by an internist or primary care physician is needed to exclude factors such as anemia or underlying illness.

Diet


Exercise and therapy

When recommended by a qualified physician, gentle exercises, such as those described at the "home exercises for the rough shoulder" article may help with the stiffness associate with shoulder arthritis.

Medications

In milder cases of shoulder arthritis, physicians may recommend non-narcotic medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen sodium (Aleve). These medications are not expected to cure the condition, but may lessen its symptoms (FAQ about Arthritis Medications). Dietary supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have not been proven to be effective in shoulder arthritis.

Surgery

Severe cases of shoulder arthritis may require surgical treatment by a surgeon specializing in this field. The types of surgery used for the different forms of this condition include

  1. a replacement of the ball of the arm bone (humeral hemiarthroplasty) along with a re-shaping of the socket (glenoid). This procedure is called a ‘ream and run’ procedure or humeral hemiarthroplasty with a non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty,
  2. a total shoulder arthroplasty in which the replacement of the ball of the arm bone (humeral hemiarthroplasty) is combined with the insertion of a plastic socket (glenoid).

If the rotator cuff is seriously torn or degenerated, the shoulder arthritis may require

  1. a special humeral head prosthesis, known as a CTA (cuff tear arthropathy) prosthesis,
  2. a reverse ball and socket (Delta) total shoulder replacement arthroplasty.
 

Shoulder arthroscopy has not been proven to be effective in the management of shoulder arthritis.

Joint aspiration

Joint aspiration is the process of removing some fluid from the sore joint. This procedure is usually not helpful in the treatment of shoulder arthritis, unless there is a suspicion of infection or gout.

Injecting the joint with cortisone, steroids or other agents has not provided durable benefit to affected shoulders.

Splints or braces

Splints and braces have not proven helpful in managing shoulder arthritis.

Alternative remedies

Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, visual imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, or biofeedback may be helpful for people with shoulder arthritis, but the benefit of these approaches has not been proven (click here for more about unproven remedies for arthritis)

Social impacts

The limitations on social interactions imposed by shoulder arthritis can usually be lessened by successful management (click here for more about "families and arthritis")

Long-term management

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may require help with activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, shopping and housekeeping (click here for more about FAQ about living with arthritis)

Unproven remedies

It often is difficult to be patient when suffering from shoulder arthritis. People with shoulder arthritis might be tempted to try unproven treatments, such as copper bracelets or magnets. The sensational successes advertised are usually not supported by documented results. They even may be harmful and often keep people from getting the medical care they really need. New treatments should be discussed with a doctor and get his or her advice (click here for more about "unproven remedies for arthritis").


Strategies for coping

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to cope with their condition by reducing the demands on their shoulder (click here for more about using joints wisely). Planning life so that there is less need to reach, lift, push, or pull may be helpful. Some individuals with shoulder arthritis are more comfortable sleeping in an armchair than flat in bed.

Asking for help

The Arthritis Foundation may be able to provide assistance in coping with shoulder arthritis.

Work

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to modify their jobs by reducing the demands on their shoulder (click here for more about "work and arthritis"). Changing their work so that there is less need to reach, lift, push, or pull may be helpful.

Family and friends

Shoulder arthritis in one member of the family can affect the entire family (click here for more about families and arthritis). It is helpful for the family to become informed about the condition and its treatments.

Adaptive aids

Individuals with shoulder arthritis may be able to use adaptive tools to help with their reach and personal hygiene. An occupational therapist is often a good source of information on these adaptive aids (click here to for more about families and arthritis).

Stress

Shoulder arthritis can often interfere with normal sleep, fitness and recreational activities. This can increase stress (click here for more about "Stress and Arthritis"). Maintaining regular exercise through walking or stationary cycling is helpful in reducing stress and maintaining fitness.

Resources

For more information regarding shoulder arthritis, individuals may wish to contact the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons or the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or the Arthritis Foundation.


Condition research

Scientists at the major medical schools are constantly working on better ways to prevent and treat shoulder arthritis (click here for more about departmental research reports). One promising approach is to use a type of surgical reconstruction that avoids the need for plastic or bone cement (click here for more about "Ream and Run non-prosthetic glenoid arthroplasty for shoulder arthritis").

Pharmaceutical research

While drug companies are seeking new medications for shoulder arthritis, so far these approaches have not produced durable improvements in the treatment.

Non-surgical research

There is some evidence that gentle stretching exercises may slow the progress of shoulder arthritis.

Surgical research

Research in the surgical management of shoulder arthritis includes efforts to avoid the potential risks of plastic and bone cement  and new methods of managing shoulder arthritis in the presence of severe rotator cuff deficiency (click here for more about Cuff tear arthropathy and Reverse Shoulder Replacement (Delta joint replacement).

Cellular, genetics, or tissue research

There is interest in biomedical treatments for shoulder arthritis, such as using stem cells and growth factors (click here for more about stem cell and regenerative medicine). However, the clinical role of such treatments have yet to be defined.


Summary of shoulder arthritis

Shoulder arthritis is a common cause of limited comfort and function of the shoulder.

Shoulder arthritis may be helped by gentle stretching and non-narcotic anti-inflammatory medications.

Shoulder arthritis is diagnosed by a thorough history, physical examination, and proper X-rays.

Severe shoulder arthritis can often be successfully managed by surgical reconstruction (replacement) of the damaged joint surfaces.

Newer surgical techniques, such as the ‘ream and run’ can allow patients to return to higher levels of physical activity.


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.