Primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder

Primary osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a condition in which the cartilage of the humeral head and the glenoid cavity (socket) wears down.
 

Symptoms

 
  Pain prevents you from lifting your shoulder on your own
  A grinding or grating sound occurs when moving the shoulder
  Even with passive movement (when someone else moves your shoulder), the shoulder cannot be lifted fully
 

Diagnosis

 
It can be identified on an X-ray. Further evaluation with a CT scan provides more detailed information.
 

Treatment

 
When shoulder pain is severe, the following treatments are considered:
Intra-articular injections into the shoulder joint, such as steroids or hyaluronic acid
Exercise therapy is not always effective in improving range of motion in advanced cases of osteoarthritis of the shoulder.
 

When Conservative Treatment Is Ineffective

 
The following surgical options may be considered:

• Arthroscopic Synovectomy: Removal of the synovial membrane using an arthroscope.
• Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Replacement of the deformed humeral head and glenoid with artificial components.
  Below is a schematic of total shoulder arthroplasty.
  For more details, please refer to the section on Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.