Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis in the Athlete

Glenohumeral arthritis in the athlete can be managed nonsurgically with medications, injections, physical therapy, and modification of activity. When surgical intervention is warranted, the patient is more definitively served with open resurfacing or replacement procedures. However, arthroscopy can be used as an intervening step to mitigate symptoms of glenohumeral arthritis. Arthroscopic interventions include glenohumeral debridement of delaminating articular surfaces, debridement of displaced degenerative labral tears, removal of osteocartilaginous or foreign bodies, and capsular release. These procedures address the pain, mechanical locking, or loss of motion associated with glenohumeral arthritis.