Diagnosis and Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis in the Active Adult

Glenohumeral arthritis can significantly impact quality of life, most notable in highly active patients. A linear approach to management based on age alone negates factors that impact patient goals such as pain control, joint function, and joint preservation. Diagnostics should use X-ray, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging to provide information about severity of disease and inform treatment plans, including surgical approaches. Although surgical intervention in young adults has previously been controversial, after nonoperative interventions, such as medications, physical therapy, and intra-articular injections, have failed, many studies support arthroplasty to control pain and maximize function throughout their life span.