Glenohumeral arthritis in the young adult.

Treating glenohumeral arthritis in the young adult remains a significant challenge. There are a variety of etiologies that can lead to this condition, and the diagnosis is often not straightforward. With advances in both surgical techniques and biologic options, the treatment algorithm for patients with glenohumeral arthritis is constantly evolving. When nonsurgical treatment fails, there are a variety of possible surgical options, each with potential benefits. It is helpful to review the diagnostic challenges presented by these patients and understand the palliative, reparative, restorative, and reconstructive surgical options and their associated clinical outcomes, which provide a framework for clinical and surgical decision making.