Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is a common cause of shoulder pain, stiffness and loss of movement. As the smooth cartilage lining the shoulder joint wears away, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, inflammation and reduced function.
Many patients can be successfully managed with physiotherapy, activity modification and injections. However, when symptoms become severe and begin to affect sleep, work or everyday activities, shoulder replacement surgery may provide excellent pain relief and restore function.
What is Shoulder Arthritis?
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the humeral head (ball) and the glenoid (socket). Both joint surfaces are normally covered by smooth cartilage, allowing the shoulder to move freely without pain.
Shoulder arthritis occurs when this cartilage gradually wears away. As the cartilage becomes thinner, the joint surfaces become rough, resulting in pain, stiffness and loss of movement.
The most common types of shoulder arthritis include:
Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
Rheumatoid arthritis
Post-traumatic arthritis following previous injury or fracture
Avascular necrosis of the humeral head
Symptoms of Shoulder Arthritis
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
Shoulder pain during activity or at rest
Night pain affecting sleep
Stiffness and loss of movement
Difficulty reaching overhead
Pain when dressing or washing hair
Weakness due to pain
Grinding, clicking or catching within the joint
As arthritis progresses, everyday activities such as lifting, reaching or fastening a seatbelt may become increasingly difficult.
Diagnosis
Shoulder arthritis is usually diagnosed through a combination of your history, physical examination and imaging.
X-rays are often sufficient to demonstrate joint space narrowing, bone spurs and arthritis.
CT scans may be performed to assess bone loss and assist surgical planning when shoulder replacement is being considered.
MRI scans are occasionally required to evaluate the rotator cuff tendons, particularly when reverse shoulder replacement may be indicated.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many patients experience good symptom relief without surgery.
Treatment options may include:
Physiotherapy
Activity modification
Anti-inflammatory medication
Simple pain relief
Corticosteroid injections
Strengthening and stretching exercises
Non-operative treatment is often appropriate for patients with mild to moderate arthritis or those wishing to delay surgery.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Surgery may be considered when:
Shoulder pain persists despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Night pain regularly disturbs sleep.
Shoulder stiffness significantly limits everyday activities.
Arthritis has become advanced on imaging.
Symptoms are affecting work, sport or quality of life.
The most appropriate surgical option depends on your symptoms, arthritis pattern, age, activity level and the condition of your rotator cuff tendons.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Modern shoulder replacement surgery is one of the most successful treatments for advanced shoulder arthritis.
Depending on the condition of the rotator cuff, treatment may involve either:
Anatomic shoulder replacement – typically performed when the rotator cuff is intact.
Reverse shoulder replacement – commonly used when the rotator cuff is severely torn or absent.
Both procedures aim to relieve pain, restore movement and improve shoulder function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shoulder arthritis improve without surgery?
Many patients improve with physiotherapy, activity modification, medications and corticosteroid injections. Surgery is generally reserved for patients with persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative treatment.
Does shoulder arthritis always require a shoulder replacement?
No. Many patients successfully manage their symptoms without surgery for many years.
What is the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement?
Anatomic shoulder replacement reproduces the normal anatomy of the shoulder and relies on an intact rotator cuff.
Reverse shoulder replacement changes the position of the ball and socket, allowing the deltoid muscle to compensate when the rotator cuff is no longer functioning adequately.
How successful is shoulder replacement?
Shoulder replacement surgery provides excellent pain relief for most patients and can significantly improve function and quality of life when appropriately indicated.
Related Conditions
Shoulder Impingement
Frozen Shoulder
Why Choose Peak Orthopaedics?
Mr Francis Ting is a specialist orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in shoulder and upper limb surgery.
Using contemporary techniques and evidence-based treatment, every patient receives an individualised management plan tailored to their symptoms, goals and lifestyle. Whether treatment involves physiotherapy, injections or shoulder replacement surgery, the aim is to relieve pain, restore function and help patients return to the activities that matter most.
Referral Information
Francis Ting is an upper limb surgeon who provides specialist assessment and treatment of shoulder arthritis in New Plymouth and the wider Taranaki region.
As an orthopaedic specialist clinic, patients are usually referred by their GP, physiotherapist, sports physician or other healthcare professional. Referral is generally required for ACC and private insurance funding pathways.
