Peer Reviewed Patient Education

How is glenohumeral arthritis diagnosed?

The doctor will first obtain a history of the patient's symptoms and health over the past several years. Those who suffer from shoulder arthritis typically report an increase in pain over several years. The doctor will ask if the patient has any conditions that may be the underlying cause of osteoarthritis such as:

Previous trauma or surgery to the shoulder
An infection in the shoulder
A previous rotator cuff tear
Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in other joints

Next, the doctor will do a physical examination of the shoulder to evaluate the symptoms and reveal other conditions that may exist.

X-ray imaging of the shoulder can confirm a diagnosis of glenohumeral arthritis. With x-ray, the doctor can see structural changes that indicate arthritis, such as:

Irregularity of the joint surface
Osteophytes, typically located on the lower part of the joint
Bone erosion on the humeral head, glenoid, or both. Glenoid bone loss is often visible on the backside of the joint.

Other imaging techniques used to make the diagnosis include:

CT-Scan (Computer Tomography) - This test shows the extent of glenoid bone loss and any anatomic abnormalities that may affect treatment.
Arthrogram - This technique is useful in the evaluation of rotator cuff tears
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) - Although not as commonly used to diagnose arthritis as other imaging studies, an MRI can provide detailed information about the soft tissue structures of the joint.

At Seaport we believe in meeting patients' individual needs through comprehensive evaluation and treatment, designed to help achieve an active, pain-free lifestyle. Seaport physicians take the time to know you and work with you from your initial symptoms or injury, through every aspect of your recovery. Our goal at Seaport is to enable our patients to get back to a full active lifestyle as quickly and safely possible.

Our group is comprised of various physicians whose specialties include orthopaedic surgery, treatment of the hand, knee, spine, hip, foot and ankle, physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain management.