Skip to content

Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Person having shoulder examined

What is Shoulder Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, occurs when the cartilage and other tissues in the shoulder joint gradually break down. As the cartilage wears away, the bones start to rub against each other, increasing friction, which leads to pain, stiffness, and a loss of mobility. Although shoulder OA is less common than OA in the hip or knee, it's estimated that about one-third of people over the age of 60 experience some degree of shoulder OA.

Shoulder Joint Anatomy

The shoulder consists of three bones that form two distinct joints. The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is where the collarbone (clavicle) meets the acromion (the bony part of the shoulder blade). The glenohumeral joint is where the upper arm bone (humerus) fits into the scapula (shoulder blade). OA is more frequently seen in the AC joint than in the glenohumeral joint.

Symptoms of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Pain is the main symptom of shoulder osteoarthritis. It worsens with activity and, over time, may become present even at rest, eventually affecting sleep. The location of the pain depends on which part of the shoulder joint is affected:

  • Glenohumeral osteoarthritis tends to cause deep, aching pain at the back of the shoulder.
  •  Acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis results in pain at the top of the shoulder, which may radiate to the side of the neck.
Other common symptoms include:
 
  • Limited range of motion and stiffness, making everyday tasks like lifting an arm or reaching for an item on a shelf difficult.
  • Crepitus, which refers to the grinding or clicking sounds that may occur when moving the shoulder.

Causes of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Shoulder osteoarthritis can be classified into two types:

  • Primary osteoarthritis has no specific known cause but is often linked to factors such as aging, genetics, and gender. It typically affects individuals over 50, with women being more commonly affected.
  • Secondary osteoarthritis results from identifiable causes, such as previous injuries, rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, infections, or certain activities like heavy lifting or sports that put stress on the shoulder.

Diagnosing of Shoulder Osteoarthritis

To diagnose shoulder osteoarthritis, a healthcare provider will first perform a physical examination to assess the shoulder’s range of motion and strength. The doctor will also inquire about medical history and current symptoms. Imaging tests may include:
 
  • X-rays to evaluate the condition of the shoulder bones, although cartilage loss is inferred from the space between bones.
  • CT scans provide more detailed images of the bones and are often used for surgical planning.
  • MRI scans offer insight into the soft tissues, such as the rotator cuff tendons.

Other conditions that could Be mistaken for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Several other conditions may present similar symptoms, including:
  • Labral tears
  • Septic arthritis
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Cervical disc disease with shoulder radiculopathy
  • Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
  • Polymyalgia rheumatica
  • Pseudogout
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus

Treatment options for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

Treatment for shoulder osteoarthritis often begins with non-surgical approaches. These can include:

  • Activity Modification: Reducing activities that put excessive strain on the shoulder and adjusting sports to lessen shoulder stress.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility and strength, though in some cases, therapy might worsen pain.
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can help manage pain and inflammation. However, they should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation. Prescription options are also available for stronger doses with fewer side effects.
  • Cortisone Injections: These may provide relief by reducing inflammation within the joint, though the effects may not last long. Individuals with diabetes should be cautious as cortisone may increase blood sugar temporarily.

Surgical Treatment for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

If non-surgical methods fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:
 
  • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera and instruments are inserted through small incisions to examine and treat the joint. For early OA, arthroscopy may involve cleaning out loose cartilage or bone fragments, though it doesn't address the underlying arthritis itself.
  • Shoulder Replacement Surgery: In more advanced cases, a shoulder replacement may be needed. This procedure involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with metal and plastic components to create a new joint. The ball of the upper arm bone is replaced with a metal prosthesis, and the socket in the shoulder blade is replaced with a smooth plastic component.

Outlook for Shoulder Osteoarthritis

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are effective ways to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through low-impact exercises, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and weight management can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.
Last updated24 Apr 2025
Back to top
Working on it!