The prevalence of glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis in a primary care shoulder pain population referred for radiographs

Abstract

Dear Editor, Glenohumeral joint (GHJ) OA is characterized by pain, restricted movement and radiographic loss of articular cartilage, subchondral bone changes and loss of joint space. It may be primary or secondary to rotator cuff tears (RC arthropathy). It has a significant impact on quality of life, with significant negative effects on lifestyle and emotional health [1]. It also poses a significant economic burden: the number of UK shoulder replacements has increased by almost 300% in 5 years, with 7294 shoulder replacements in 2019 [2]. In the USA, from 2007 to 2015, procedures for GHJ OA have increased by up to 322% and 66 185 patients were discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of GHJ OA in 2016 [3]. In Australia, a recent population-level analysis has found the lifetime risk of shoulder arthroplasty from 2008 to 2017 has increased by 128% in men...