Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is rare in the shoulder joint. The appearance of the cartilage of both the glenoid and the humerus parallels the pattern of the disease in other joints (Figures 6.35, 6.36 and 6.37).

Figures 6.35, 6.36 and 6.37 Arthritic joint surfaces in the shoulder.


Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the shoulder joint. In the early stages, there is an aggressive synovitis. Pannus can be seen eroding the cartilage in the humeral head (Figure 6.38).

Figure 6.38 Vascular pannus eroding the articular surface of the humeral head.

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