Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Figure 1 - Medial erosion of glenoid
Figure 1 - Medial erosion of glenoid

Criteria for diagnosis

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of glenohumeral rheumatoid arthritis are:

A. History

  1. American Rheumatologic Association criteria for rheumatoid arthritis
  2. Limited motion and function

B. Physical Examination

  1. Limited glenohumeral motion
  2. Diagnosis is supported by findings of muscle atrophy and weakness and/or bone on bone crepitance

C. Radiographs

  1. Joint space narrowing
  2. Periarticular osteopenia
  3. Diagnosis is supported by the absence of osteophytes and sclerosis
  4. Diagnosis is supported by the presence of periarticular erosions and medial erosion of glenoid.

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.