Shoulder degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis of the shoulder, occurs when the shoulder joint's cartilage -- a smooth, protective tissue covering the tops of bones and allowing joints to move easily -- wears down over time. This causes the ends of the two bones in the joint to rub together.

What causes shoulder degenerative joint disease?

When the shoulder joint's cartilage deteriorates and loses its cushioning ability, heavy use may increase deterioration. Common causes include:

• Increased age -- typically affecting patients 50 years of age and older
• Everyday use that causes gradual wear and tear
• Prior shoulder injury such as fracture
• Repetitive overhead movement, especially in individuals who play racket sports or have a trade that requires repetitive movement of the shoulder joint

What does shoulder degenerative joint disease feel like?

Degenerative shoulder joint disease is often characterized by:

• Pain, often constant in severe cases
• Stiffness in the shoulder
• Tenderness around the joint
• Swelling of the joint
• Limited range of motion in arms
• A catching or grinding sensation in the joint
• A creaking or groaning sound from the joint

How do I know if I have shoulder degenerative joint disease?

A physical examination of the shoulder, with focus on its range of motion, enables the doctor to diagnose degenerative shoulder joint disease.

Your doctor may also use x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out underlying conditions such as soft tissue damage or rotator cuff injury and to detect possible bone spurs and calcium deposits.

How is shoulder degenerative joint disease treated?

Degenerative shoulder joint disease is often treated with:

• Cortisone injections to relieve the shoulder pain and inflammation associated with shoulder arthritis
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
• Modification of daily activities
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen muscles and decrease stress on the shoulder

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the joints. Sometimes, total shoulder replacement surgery is an option. Your surgeon will work with you to determine if surgery is the best treatment option.

Duke Orthopaedics treats degenerative shoulder joint disease at locations convenient to Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Degenerative Shoulder Joint Disease Treatment Videos

Shoulder Arthritis

Watch an educational video about shoulder degenerative joint disease, or shoulder arthritis.

Intracapsular (Glenoid) Injection

At Duke Orthopaedics, our doctors often treat severe shoulder degenerative joint disease with intracapsular injection. The following video demonstrates this procedure.

Total Shoulder Replacement

At Duke Orthopaedics, our doctors sometimes treat severe shoulder degenerative joint disease with total shoulder replacement. The following video demonstrates this procedure.