Osteoarthritis (OA) of the shoulder encompasses both primary OA and secondary to other conditions, such as rheumatoid, post trauma or chronic rotator cuff tear.

Patients usually experience a slow decline in function, with some initially barely noticeable stiffness and aching. As the joint degeneration gets worse, the pain increases, with night pain, difficulty with sleeping on the afflicted shoulder and catching or clicking becoming more frequent and disabling.

The diagnosis is usually made on clinical exam and Xray that shows the joint degeneration. Usually this is all that is needed if non-surgical management is being undertaken. If the symptoms are very disabling and the joint degeneration advanced, the surgeon may request a CT scan to get a good 3D appreciation of the bone stock and geometry in planning a replacement.