Shoulder cartilage disorders

The shoulder can be considered a ball joint. The humeral head fits into the socket located on the shoulder blade. The two move in relation to each other and rub against each other with every shoulder movement.

In a normal, healthy joint, both ends are covered by a healthy layer of cartilage. This soft layer allows for smooth movement without too much friction. When this cartilage is damaged, or has completely disappeared, both bone surfaces rub against each other without protection. This leads to inflammation in the joint, with production of inflammatory fluid.

Nature tries to defend itself through extra bone growth: so-called 'osteophytes' or bone spurs. This deforms the joint and makes it even less mobile. Ultimately, this leads to more or less severe stiffness in the joint.

Please contact your treating doctor for more information.