DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

Understanding Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

By Yang, Sue 
 | 
January 28, 2020

Understanding Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis

A joint is where 2 bones meet. The glenohumeral joint is the main joint in the shoulder. It is a ball-and-socket joint. It is formed where the head or ball of the upper arm bone fits into the shallow socket on the shoulder blade. The upper arm bone is called the humerus. The socket is called the glenoid. This is how the joint gets its name. When the glenohumeral joint is healthy, it helps you rotate and move your arm freely without any pain.

With glenohumeral osteoarthritis, the parts of the joint wear down. This can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is a long-term condition. But treatment can help manage symptoms, increase movement, and improve function.

How glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurs

All joints contain a smooth tissue called cartilage. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones. This helps them glide smoothly against each other. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the glenohumeral joint starts to break down. The ball and socket bones may then become exposed and rub together. The bones may become rough and pitted and may start to wear away. This prevents smooth movement of the joint.

Causes of glenohumeral osteoarthritis

In most cases, the condition develops because of damage from a shoulder injury, such as a dislocated or broken shoulder. Normal wear and tear of the joint from aging can also cause osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Symptoms tend to develop slowly over months to years. Shoulder pain is common. The pain is often worse with activity, and may get better with rest. Over time, the pain may get worse, and may even occur at night.

Stiffness in the shoulder is also common. It may be hard to move or use the arm and shoulder as you normally would. This can make even simple tasks difficult, such as reaching for an item on a shelf or getting dressed.

Treating glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Treatment may include:

  • Resting the shoulder. This involves limiting certain movements, such as reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling. These can cause more wear and tear of the joint and make symptoms worse.

  • Cold or heat packs. Cold packs can help ease pain and swelling. Heat packs do not help with swelling. But they may help ease pain and stiffness, especially before physical therapy or activity.

  • Pain medicines. These help relieve pain and swelling. Medicines may be prescribed or bought over the counter.

  • Injections of medicine into the joint. These help ease symptoms for a time.

  • Physical therapy and exercises.  These help improve strength and range of motion in the joint. This may reduce shoulder stiffness and improve function.

  • Certain assistive devices. These are tools that can be used to make activities of daily life easier. For instance, a “grasper” can help you reach and grab items.

  • Alternative treatments. These include treatments such as acupuncture or massage. They may help ease pain and stiffness in some cases.

If other treatments don’t do enough to ease symptoms, you may need surgery. During surgery, the damaged joint is removed. It is replaced with an artificial joint. This can help ease symptoms and improve function to near normal.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

  • Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

  • Symptoms that don’t get better with treatment, or get worse

  • New symptoms

Updated:  

January 28, 2020

Sources:  

Anderson BC. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis. UpToDate. June 2 ed: UpToDate; 2014. p. 20., Anderson BC. Patient information: Shoulder osteoarthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. June 25 ed: UpToDate; 2014. p. 13., Bravman JT, et al. Glenohumeral Arthritis in the Athlete. In: Millar M, et al, editors. DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 4 ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2015. p. 628-44., Matsen FA, et al. Glenohumeral Arthritis and Its Management. In: Rockwood CA, editor. The Shoulder. 4 ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2009. p. 1089-246., The Treatment of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS); 2009.

Reviewed By:  

Amy Finke RN BSN,Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN