Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint: a radiologic-pathologic study

Cadaveric specimens and patient radiographs were examined in order to establish the pattern and the distribution of degenerative alterations of the glenohumeral joint. Characteristic osseous changes occur in response to alterations in the articular cartilage and rotator cuff. The extent of these changes is underestimated by plain-film radiography. A strong association was found between the changes of osteoarthritis (OA) and those related to deterioration of the rotator cuff. Idiopathic OA of the glenohumeral joint was discovered in 10 (20%) of 50 symptomatic patients age 60 years and over. Theories regarding the pathomechanics and interrelations between glenohumeral joint OA and rotator cuff deterioration are discussed.