title: Rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulder.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder region is a progressive disorder that results in pain, loss of range of motion, and functional disability. The inflammatory response, which is of unknown etiology, results in synovitis, pannus formation, and articular destruction. Even when patient history and physical examination suggest rheumatoid involvement of the shoulder, laboratory assessment and radiographic evaluation often are necessary to establish the diagnosis. Nonsurgical management is the primary treatment, including pharmacologic and physical therapy regimens for patients with mild symptoms and functional disability. Surgical intervention is indicated in patients with significant pain and functional limitation when nonsurgical treatment fails to provide relief. The procedure selected depends on careful assessment of the degree of articular cartilage injury and compromise of the periarticular soft tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, New York University-Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Thomas N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: Joseph D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Zuckerman
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis; D001178:Arthroplasty; D002358:Cartilage, Articular; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery; D013256:Steroids
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids