There is a high degree of motion between the shoulder blade and the thorax which helps compensate for an arthritic shoulder. Nonetheless, some patients will have debilitating shoulder pain and require treatment.
Treatment always begins with nonoperative modalities .
For patients whose symptoms persist despite these treatments, surgery may be considered. Arthroscopy is a useful tool for removal of loose bodies or smoothing areas of roughened cartilage when a good joint surface remains. It is not useful however when all of the cartilage is worn away. Shoulder arthrodesis, or fusion, may be offered to young patients with severe shoulder arthritis after an injury. For adults with severe shoulder arthritis, consideration should be given to total shoulder replacement.