Shoulder Arthritis
The glenohumeral joint may also be affected by inflammatory conditions known as arthritis. This condition affects the humeral head, which has a socket connection to the glenoid. In other cases, it is the glenoid that is damaged. In either case, instead of the fluid and smooth movement of the articulation, we have rough and irregular surfaces that rub against one another and cause progressive damage.
This problem affects 32% of seniors after 60 years, and the incidence has been rising these years. The causes of arthritis can be numerous, not only rheumatoid arthritis. It can be due to degeneration, trauma, inflammation with or without infection, and neuropathy.
Degenerative arthritis is also known as osteoarthritis. It is asymmetrical and causes progressive symptoms as the joint space narrows, and the cartilage is destroyed. After trauma such as a fracture or surgery, patients can experience instability and degenerative arthritis with similar signs and symptoms. Inflammatory arthritis includes rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and other rheumatic causes. Each pathology has its own distinct features. Neuropathic arthritis is also known as Charcot arthropathy, and the joint structures are progressively destroyed after losing the protection provided by their nerve supply.
We can also have arthritis for vascular reasons, infection, or as a result of a long-standing rotator cuff tear.