Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Avascular Necrosis

Last Updated: Wednesday, January 26, 2005

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagosis of glenohumeral avascular necrosis are:

A. History

  1. Limited shoulder function
  2. Diagnosis is supported by the presence of risk factors such as steroid use

B. Physical Examination

  1. Diagnosis is supported by glenohumeral crepitance

C. Radiographs

  1. Sclerosis within head of humerus
  2. Collapse of subchondral bone of humeral head
  3. Absence of other pathology (eg. tumor cuff tear arthropathy)

More information

For more information about management of avascular necrosis,  please see Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis.