Criteria for diagnosis

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagosis of glenohumeral avascular necrosis are:

A. History

  1. Limited shoulder function
  2. Diagnosis is supported by the presence of risk factors, such as steroid use

B. Physical Examination

  1. Diagnosis is supported by glenohumeral crepitance

C. Radiographs

  1. Sclerosis within head of humerus
  2. Collapse of subchondral bone of humeral head
  3. Absence of other pathology (eg. tumor, cuff tear arthropathy)

More information

For more information about management of avascular necrosis, please see Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.


Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Avascular Necrosis.

Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005

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