Degenerative Arthritis About the Shoulder Joint

Abstract

Primary degenerative arthritis of the shoulder joint is not commonly diagnosed in the general orthopedic surgeon’s practice; however, its presence is easily overlooked because its pain pattern is very similar to that of rotator cuff disease. Usually, patients complain of an insidious onset of discomfort eventually leading to pain for which they seek treatment. Their histories are not uncommon and rarely include an injury. A long history of weight lifting or body building may lead the examiner to think of degenerative arthritis rather than other disease processes.