Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: Disease Burden, Current Understanding, and Gaps in Knowledge and Treatment
Michael Davies, Volker Musahl, Brian Forsythe, Jacob G. Calcei, C. Benjamin
Abstract
Background: Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) is a prevalent, costly problem among the aging population. Despite this, the underlying pathobiology and pathomechanics of the disease have not been fully elucidated, and treatment options remain limited to date. Purpose: The goal of the 2024 Arthritis Foundation (AF) and AOSSM GHOA Think Tank was to review the present body of knowledge regarding GHOA and identify opportunities for future inquiry to ultimately improve patient outcomes. Study Design: Narrative review. Methods: This narrative review stems from the evidence-based discussion of the 2024 AF AOSSM Think Tank. This meeting was composed of 4 sessions, on the topics of "Burden of Disease and Shoulder OA,""Shoulder Conditions and the Development of Shoulder OA,""Treatment Strategies for Patients With Shoulder OA," and "Designing and Conducting Multicenter Trials." Each of these sessions was further divided into 4 lectures pertaining to each topic. Speaker presentations were made available for subsequent review and incorporation of content into this review. Results: The epidemiology of GHOA is reviewed, as well as the basic science of arthritis, the roles of repetitive throwing, shoulder instability, and rotator cuff disease in GHOA, along with existing treatment approaches. Conclusion: Several unanswered questions are in these fields that warrant future research are highlighted.