Detecting early shoulder arthritis - the axillary "truth" view

Standardized plain radiographs can help diagnose early glenohumeral arthritis.  We have found the series shown in this link to be straightforward, reproducible, and cost effective

As an example, here are the images of a young patient who had shoulder pain and stiffness that persisted after a biceps tenodesis performed elsewhere.

While subtle narrowing of the superior joint space is noted on the anteroposterior view in the plane of the scapula

the axillary "truth" view shows posterior decentering with bone on bone contact when the arm is in a functional position of elevation.

These two views provide the information necessary to make the diagnosis and to plan an arthroplasty.

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Here are some videos that are of shoulder interest

Shoulder arthritis - what you need to know (see this link)

The smooth and move for irreparable cuff tears (see this link)

The total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).

The ream and run technique is shown in this link.

The cuff tear arthropathy arthroplasty (see this link).

The reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (see this link).

Shoulder rehabilitation exercises (see this link).

This is a non-commercial site, the purpose of which is education, consistent with "Fair Use" as defined in Title 17 of the U.S. Code.          

Note that author has no financial relationships with any orthopaedic companies.