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Rheumatology35 papers

Osteoarthritis of glenohumeral joint

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis (GHJ OA) is a degenerative condition affecting the shoulder joint. Physical therapists manage this condition based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information 1. Degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint can present in distinct patterns 2.

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and imaging findings 1.
  • Three distinct patterns of degenerative change have been identified in the glenohumeral joint in individuals over 60 years of age 2.

    • Management

  • Physical therapist management is a key component of care for GHJ OA 1.
  • Management strategies are based on systematic reviews of current scientific and clinical information 1.

    • Key Recommendations

  • Physical therapist management is recommended for individuals with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis 1. (Evidence: Strong)
  • Degenerative changes in the glenohumeral joint can be categorized into distinct patterns, which may have clinical implications 2. (Evidence: Moderate)

    • References

    1 Michener LA, Heitzman J, Abbruzzese LD, Bondoc SL, Bowne K, Henning PT et al.. Physical Therapist Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. Physical therapy 2023. link 2 Edelson JG. Patterns of degenerative change in the glenohumeral joint. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume 1995. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Physical Therapist Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Physical Therapy Association. — Michener LA, Heitzman J, Abbruzzese LD, Bondoc SL, Bowne K, Henning PT et al. Physical therapy (2023)
    2. [2]
      Patterns of degenerative change in the glenohumeral joint. — Edelson JG The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (1995)
    3. [3]
      "Drooping shoulder"--nontraumatic causes of glenohumeral subluxation. — Lev-Toaff AS, Karasick D, Rao VM Skeletal radiology (1984)
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