Shoulder Arthritis

Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is a common, debilitating joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage loss, subchondral bone remodeling, and capsular stiffness, leading to pain, restricted motion, and functional impairment. Diagnosis relies on both clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Classification systems, such as the Walch classification, assist in assessing disease severity and guiding treatment decisions. Management begins with conservative approaches, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and intra-articular injections, progressing to surgical interventions such as total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty for advanced disease. Early diagnosis and patient-specific treatment are essential to ensuring optimal patient outcomes.