The rheumatoid shoulder.

The rheumatoid shoulder is a frequent manifestation in the rheumatoid patient. Most of the symptoms are of a mild to moderate degree and can usually be ameliorated by heat, massage, and gently exercise. Local injection therapy may be of value in selected cases. Strenuous exercise or manipulation is contraindicated. Tendon ruptures and rotator cuff tears are not amenable to surgical reconstruction and are adequately treated with a conservative regimen. Prophylactic synovectomy is not performed as a routine, because the majority of patients do not develop disabling symptoms. This procedure is usually restricted to the few patients who exhibit uncontrollable proliferative synovitis. Prosthetic replacement is employed for intractable pain with full anticipation of limitied mobility. Various designs of a "total shoulder" are undergoing clinical evaluation, but their application has not been defined.