Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Degenerative Joint Disease

Diagnosis of Glenohumeral Degenerative Joint Disease

Last Updated: January 26 2005

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of primary glenohumeral degenerative joint disease are:

A. History

  • Absence of major joint trauma previous surgery or other known causes of secondary degenerative joint disease
  • Limited motion and function

B. Physical examination

  • Limited glenohumeral motion
  • Diagnosis is supported by bone on bone crepitance

C. Radiographs

  • Joint space narrowing
  • Periarticular sclerosis
  • Periarticular osteophytes
  • Absence of other pathology
  • Diagnosis is supported by posterior glenoid erosion with posterior subluxation of humeral head.

The necessary and sufficient criteria for the diagnosis of secondary glenohumeral degenerative joint disease are:

A. History

  • Evidence of major joint trauma or other known causes of secondary degenerative joint disease
  • Limited motion and function

B. Physical examination

  • Limited glenohumeral motion
  • Diagnosis is supported by bone on bone crepitance

C. Radiographs

  • Joint space narrowing
  • Periarticular sclerosis
  • Periarticular osteophytes
  • Diagnosis is supported by radiographic evidence of previous trauma or other known causes of secondary degenerative joint disease