Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) PDF Evidence¶
The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure — a joint-preserving arthroscopic alternative to arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis, combining debridement, capsular release, osteophyte excision, microfracture, loose-body removal and axillary nerve neurolysis.
Why this operation has been suggested¶
Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management is a systematic approach to treating early wear-and-tear arthritis in your shoulder joint. Your surgeon likely recommended this because you have more than 2 mm of joint space and your joint surfaces still fit together well without significant deformity. This procedure is a joint-preserving option designed for younger, active patients with advanced arthritis who want to avoid joint replacement.
Non-operative treatments usually come first. Surgery is considered only when those methods do not provide enough improvement. This operation aims to reduce pain and improve function by cleaning out damaged tissue and resurfacing the joint. It serves as a reliable alternative to major surgery for active individuals. The goal is to give you a predictable short-term benefit while preserving your natural joint structure for as long as possible.
Before the operation¶
Please fast for eight hours before your surgery. Your surgeon will tell you which medications to stop. Arrange for someone to drive you home. Bring a list of all current medicines. You may need X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests. These checks help your surgeon plan safely. An anaesthetic review ensures you are fit for surgery. Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. This preparation helps your recovery start smoothly. Your team wants you to be ready for Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management. This approach treats early wear-and-tear arthritis in your shoulder. Being prepared reduces stress and keeps you safe.
On the day¶
You will arrive at the hospital in the morning for your admission. Your surgeon will confirm your details and answer any final questions you have. You will then meet the anaesthetist, who explains the plan for your comfort. This operation is done under general anaesthetic combined with a regional nerve block. You will be fully asleep for the operation, and the block — an injection that numbs the nerves supplying the arm before you wake up — provides pain relief for the first 12 to 24 hours after surgery. The anaesthetist will meet you before the operation and talk you through both parts.
You will be taken to the operating theatre while you are still awake. The team will prepare you for the procedure. You will not feel or remember anything during the surgery itself. After the operation, you will wake up in the recovery area. Nurses will monitor your pain levels and ensure you are stable. You will stay there until the anaesthetic wears off and you are ready to go home or to a ward.
What the operation involves¶
Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) is a systematic approach used to treat early wear-and-tear arthritis in your shoulder joint. Your surgeon performs this procedure using arthroscopy, which means using small keyhole incisions rather than a large open cut. This allows your surgeon to see inside the joint clearly while keeping the damage to your skin and muscles minimal.
During the operation, your surgeon will carefully clean out the joint. This process, known as debridement, involves removing damaged tissue and debris that can cause pain and stiffness. If needed, your surgeon may also perform glenoid resurfacing. This means smoothing or reshaping the socket part of your shoulder joint to improve how it moves with the ball of the upper arm bone. Your surgeon may also release tight tissues around the joint to help restore your range of motion.
The goal is to preserve your natural joint structure. This approach is specifically recommended for patients who have more than 2 mm of joint space remaining and whose shoulder bones are still aligned without significant deformity. It serves as a joint-preserving alternative to joint replacement, which is typically reserved for cases with more severe bone damage or incongruity.
After the procedure is complete, your surgeon will close the small incisions. The exact method of closure depends on your specific case, but it typically involves sutures or glue to help the skin heal properly. You will then have a dressing applied to protect the area. This procedure is designed to reduce pain and improve function, offering a predictable short-term option for younger, active patients with advanced shoulder arthritis.
After the operation¶
You will wake up in the recovery ward. Your surgeon will manage your pain and check your wound. You will wear a sling and have a dressing on your shoulder. You can move your fingers and elbow gently. Most patients go home the same day. However, you may stay overnight if needed. Someone must stay with you for the first 24 hours to help you. Do not drive for at least six weeks after any shoulder operation. This rule applies regardless of which arm was operated on. You must be out of the sling before driving. Your surgeon will clear you at your six-week review. For more details, see Driving after upper-limb surgery.
Recovery¶
You will likely feel some pain and swelling in the first few days after your surgery. This is normal. Your shoulder may feel stiff or sore as it begins to heal. Your surgeon will provide medication to help manage this discomfort. Applying ice packs can also reduce swelling and ease the ache. Rest your arm as much as possible during this early phase.
You will wear a sling to protect your shoulder while it heals. Your physiotherapist will teach you gentle exercises to keep your joint moving. These movements are small and controlled. Do not lift heavy objects or reach overhead. Simple tasks like eating or brushing your teeth may require practice. You can usually sleep on your back with a pillow supporting your arm. This position helps keep the shoulder stable and comfortable.
As the swelling settles, you will gradually increase your activity. Your physiotherapist will guide you through more challenging exercises as your strength returns. You will know you are ready for the next step when your surgeon clears you. For example, you can return to driving only once your surgeon gives the okay. This typically happens at your six-week review. Do not drive while wearing a sling. Your timeline may differ; your surgeon and physio will guide you based on your specific progress.
What can go wrong¶
Most patients do well, but problems can occasionally happen. Your surgeon and the team monitor you closely to spot any issue early.
If you have wear-and-tear arthritis in the shoulder joint, arthroscopic treatment usually helps with movement and comfort. Serious issues are rare. However, this approach is not always recommended for routine use because strong proof of its long-term benefit is lacking. Your surgeon will weigh these factors carefully before proceeding.
For shoulder instability, results vary depending on the specific technique used. Each method has its own profile. It is important to discuss which option fits your shoulder best. Your surgeon will analyze the details to determine if arthroscopy is the right choice for stabilizing your joint.
If you have a large tear in the rotator cuff tendons, debridement (cleaning up damaged tissue) may be considered. The long-term effects of this procedure are not yet fully understood. More evaluation is needed to know how it affects you years down the line. Keep this uncertainty in mind as you plan your care.
In very rare cases, a severe infection in the shoulder joint can lead to post-infectious arthritis. This means permanent joint damage occurs after the infection, even if you undergo repeated surgeries to treat it. This is an inevitable consequence of such a serious infection. If you suspect a severe infection, seek immediate medical attention.
The complications table on this page lists typical rates if you want the specifics.
When to call us¶
Call us if you have a fever, increasing wound redness or discharge, or sudden severe pain. Go to emergency if you notice calf swelling or shortness of breath. Call immediately if you lose sensation or cannot move your limb. Do not drive for at least six weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will clear you for driving at your six-week review.
Evidence & references
title: "Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM)" slug: comprehensive-arthroscopic-management region: shoulder audience: patient mesh_terms: [] article_count: 53 model_used: Qwen3.6-35B-A3B-Q8_0.gguf generated_at: '2026-06-21T12:09:09+00:00' key_articles: - title: "Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Shoulder Arthritis" ref_num: 1 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2022.01.033 year: 2022 - title: "The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management Procedure for Treatment of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 2 evidence_tier: paper doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2015.04.003 year: 2015 - title: "Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) Procedure: Clinical Results of a Joint‐Preserving Arthroscopic Treatment for Young, Active Patients With Advanced Shoulder Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 3 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2012.10.028 year: 2013 - title: "Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Instability" ref_num: 4 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1177/03635465000280042801 year: 2000 - title: "Relationship between probability of future shoulder arthroplasty and outcomes of arthroscopic debridement in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of glenohumeral joint" ref_num: 5 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0741-9 year: 2015 - title: "Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 6 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1177/0363546516656372 year: 2016 - title: "Arthroscopic Glenoid Resurfacing: Results in Patients With Failed Previous Arthroscopic Debridement (SS‐14)" ref_num: 7 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.015 year: 2009 - title: "Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Arthritis: A Joint Preservation Approach" ref_num: 8 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 5 doi: 10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00214 year: 2018 - title: "Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: Preoperative Factors Predictive of Treatment Failure" ref_num: 9 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1177/0363546516668823 year: 2016 - title: "Comprehensive arthroscopic management versus total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty in patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis younger than 50 years old" ref_num: 10 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1530/eor-2023-0156 year: 2026 - title: "Arthroscopic debridement of massive rotator cuff tears: negative prognostic factors" ref_num: 11 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1007/s00402-004-0738-6 year: 2004 - title: "Arthroscopic Debridement and Capsular Release for the Treatment of Shoulder Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 12 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2014.08.025 year: 2014 - title: "What Is the Role of Arthroscopic Debridement for Glenohumeral Arthritis? A Critical Examination of the Literature" ref_num: 13 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 1 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2013.02.022 year: 2013 - title: "Arthroscopic Treatment of Glenohumeral Instability in Soccer Goalkeepers" ref_num: 14 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1327656 year: 2012 - title: "Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis" ref_num: 15 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1007/s00167-023-07377-0 year: 2023 - title: "Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: Minimum 10-Year Follow-up" ref_num: 16 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1177/2325967121s00213 year: 2021 - title: "Outcomes and Survivorship After Arthroscopic Treatment of Glenohumeral Arthritis: A Systematic Review" ref_num: 17 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 1 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.02.036 year: 2020 - title: "Arthroscopic Debridement and Capsular release of the Shoulder as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis of the Glenohumeral Joint (SS‐22)" ref_num: 18 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2010.04.032 year: 2010 - title: "Arthroscopic Debridement and Capsular Release for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 19 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2006.11.016 year: 2007 - title: "Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid in glenohumeral arthritis" ref_num: 20 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1007/s00167-010-1155-8 year: 2010 - title: "Arthroscopic Debridement, Facetectomy, and Synovectomy for Isolated Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis" ref_num: 21 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2021.08.021 year: 2021 - title: "Survivorship and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: Minimum 10-Year Follow-up" ref_num: 22 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 3 doi: 10.1177/0363546520962756 year: 2020 - title: "A single-institution analysis of factors affecting costs in the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability" ref_num: 26 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.jseint.2020.01.006 year: 2020 - title: "Arthroscopic Debridement of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears" ref_num: 27 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.03.007 year: 2008 - title: "Survivorship after Arthroscopic Management of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis with a Minimum 5 year Follow-up" ref_num: 30 evidence_tier: paper evidence_level: 4 doi: 10.1177/2325967116s00104 year: 2016 synthesis_version: "v2" verifier_status: skipped
Overview¶
- The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure is a systematic, inclusive approach to the array of pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- The CAM procedure provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function [2].
- The CAM procedure reduced pain, improved function, and provided reasonable short-term durability for young, active patients with advanced shoulder OA, serving as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty [3].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcome in 68% of patients suffering from advanced OA of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- The CAM procedure demonstrated significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction after the procedure for glenohumeral osteoarthritis, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- Treatment of glenohumeral arthritis with arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provided superior results compared to previously performed arthroscopic procedures in patients with failed previous arthroscopic debridement [7].
- CAM is a reasonable option for patients with localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings [10].
- Hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are feasible options for patients with humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes [10].
- Arthroscopic debridement is an excellent treatment for elderly patients with modest functional demands, though long-term consequences require further evaluation [11].
- Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients with glenohumeral arthritis [12].
- Surgical arthroscopic repair was possible in all cases of acute or recurrent instability in soccer goalkeepers with well-defined exclusion criteria [14].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
- The CAM procedure is a systematic, inclusive approach to the array of pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- Advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis is characterized by joint space loss and abnormal posterior glenoid shape [9].
- Humeral head flattening and severe joint incongruity are identified as risk factors for failure in patients undergoing arthroscopic treatment for glenohumeral osteoarthritis [22].
Classification¶
- Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) is defined as a systematic, inclusive approach to the array of pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- CAM provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis [2].
- CAM serves as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty for young, active patients with advanced shoulder osteoarthritis [3].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcomes in 68% of patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- CAM achieves significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction after the procedure for glenohumeral osteoarthritis [6].
- The survivorship rate of the arthroscopic CAM procedure is 76.9% at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- Arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provides superior results for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis compared to previously performed arthroscopic procedures [7].
- An arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period [8].
- The CAM procedure reliably improves pain and function in active patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis [9].
- Patients with less joint space and abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure after the CAM procedure [9].
- CAM is a reasonable option for patients with localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings [10].
- Hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty are feasible options for patients with humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes [10].
- Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients with glenohumeral arthritis [12].
- Arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral arthritis lacks high-quality evidence to support its routine use [13].
- Surgical arthroscopic repair is possible for acute or recurrent instability with well-defined exclusion criteria [14].
- Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis [15].
Clinical Presentation¶
- Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) is recommended for the array of pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- CAM provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis [2].
- CAM serves as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty for young, active patients with advanced shoulder osteoarthritis [3].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcomes in 68% of patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- The CAM procedure demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction for glenohumeral osteoarthritis [6].
- The CAM procedure has a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- Arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provided superior results compared to previously performed arthroscopic procedures for treating glenohumeral arthritis [7].
- An arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period [8].
- Patients with less joint space and abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure after the CAM procedure [9].
- CAM is a reasonable option for patients with localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings [10].
- Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA) are feasible options for patients with humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes [10].
- Arthroscopic debridement is an excellent treatment for elderly patients with modest functional demands [11].
- Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients with glenohumeral arthritis [12].
- Arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral arthritis lacks high-quality evidence to support its routine use [13].
- Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis [15].
- Arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis provides improvements in range of motion and patient-reported outcomes with minimal complications [17].
- Arthroscopic debridement with capsular release may provide a window of improved symptoms and function before joint deterioration leads to more significant operations, especially in younger patients with mild or moderate osteoarthritic changes [19].
- Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid is a minimally invasive therapeutic option for pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction in glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the intermediate-term [20].
Investigations¶
- The Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure is recommended as a systematic, inclusive approach to pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- CAM provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function [2].
- The CAM procedure reduces pain, improves function, and provides reasonable short-term durability for young, active patients with advanced shoulder osteoarthritis, serving as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty [3].
- Arthroscopic stabilization results are variable, requiring individual analysis of each technique to determine the role of arthroscopy in glenohumeral stabilization [4].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcomes in 68% of patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- The CAM procedure demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- Arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provided superior results compared to previously performed arthroscopic procedures for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis [7].
- An arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period [8].
- Patients with less joint space and abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure after the CAM procedure [9].
- CAM is a reasonable option for patients with localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings, while hemiarthroplasty (HA) or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are feasible options for those with humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes [10].
- Arthroscopic debridement is an excellent treatment for elderly patients with massive rotator cuff tears and modest functional demands, though long-term consequences require further evaluation [11].
- Surgical arthroscopic repair is possible for acute or recurrent instability in soccer goalkeepers with well-defined exclusion criteria [14].
- Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis [15].
- Arthroscopic debridement with capsular release may provide a window of improved symptoms and function before joint deterioration leads to more significant operations, especially in younger patients with mild or moderate osteoarthritic changes [19].
- Arthroscopic debridement, facetectomy, and synovectomy aim to decrease pain originating from the patellofemoral joint by eliminating pain sources from the subchondral bone and synovium [21].
- The survivorship rate of the CAM procedure at minimum 10-year follow-up is 63.2%, with humeral head flattening and severe joint incongruity identified as risk factors for failure [22].
- Progressive radiographic osteoarthritic changes following arthroscopic debridement of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears do not negatively influence clinical results [27].
Treatment¶
- Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) is recommended as a systematic, inclusive approach for the array of pathologies encountered in early glenohumeral arthritis [1].
- CAM provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function [2].
- CAM reduces pain, improves function, and provides reasonable short-term durability for young, active patients with advanced shoulder osteoarthritis, serving as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty [3].
- Arthroscopic stabilization results are variable, and each technique must be analyzed individually to determine the role of arthroscopy in glenohumeral stabilization [4].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcomes in 68% of patients suffering from advanced osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- The arthroscopic CAM procedure for glenohumeral osteoarthritis demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- Arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provided superior results for the treatment of glenohumeral arthritis compared to previously performed arthroscopic procedures in patients with failed prior debridement [7].
- An arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period [8].
- The CAM procedure reliably improves pain and function in active patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis, but patients with less joint space and abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure [9].
- CAM is a reasonable option for patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis younger than 50 years old who have localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings [10].
- Total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty are feasible options for patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis younger than 50 years old who have humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes [10].
- Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients with glenohumeral arthritis [12].
- Arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral arthritis lacks high-quality evidence to support its routine use [13].
- Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis [15].
- Arthroscopic debridement, facetectomy, and synovectomy aim to decrease pain originating from the patellofemoral joint by eliminating pain sources from the subchondral bone and synovium [21].
- Most perioperative costs associated with the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability are facility utilization and implant costs [26].
Complications¶
- Arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral arthritis lacks high-quality evidence to support its routine use [13].
- Arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis provides improvements in ROM and patient-reported outcomes with minimal complications [17].
- The majority of patients demonstrated sustained improvement in patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction without conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty at long-term follow-up, although some patients progressed to arthroplasty [16].
- After the CAM procedure, 76.9% survivorship was observed at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- After the CAM procedure, 84% survivorship was found at 3 years and 72% survivorship at 5 years [30].
Recovery¶
- The CAM procedure provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function [2].
- The CAM procedure reduced pain, improved function, and provided reasonable short-term durability for young, active patients with advanced shoulder OA [3].
- The CAM procedure serves as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty for young, active patients with advanced shoulder OA [3].
- The CAM procedure reliably improves pain and function in active patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) [9].
- Patients with less joint space are significantly more likely to progress to early failure after the CAM procedure [9].
- Patients with abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure after the CAM procedure [9].
- The CAM procedure demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction for GHOA [6].
- The CAM procedure has a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively [6].
- The majority of patients demonstrated sustained improvement in patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction without conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty at long-term follow-up after the CAM procedure [16].
- Some patients progressed to arthroplasty after the CAM procedure at long-term follow-up [16].
- Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcome in 68% of patients suffering from advanced OA of the glenohumeral joint [5].
- An arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period [8].
- Arthroscopic debridement is an excellent treatment for elderly patients with modest functional demands [11].
- Isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients with glenohumeral arthritis [12].
- Arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder improves regaining external rotation in patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [18].
- Arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder decreases pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [18].
- Arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder improves the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint [18].
- Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid provides pain relief, functional improvement, and patient satisfaction in glenohumeral osteoarthritis in the intermediate-term [20].
Key Evidence¶
- [L4] The authors recommend a systematic, inclusive approach to the array of pathologies encountered in the setting of early glenohumeral arthritis: the Comprehensive Arthroscopic Management (CAM) procedure. (10.1016/j.arthro.2022.01.033)
- [Paper] The comprehensive arthroscopic management procedure provides a predictable short-term joint-preserving option for younger, high-demand patients with advanced glenohumeral osteoarthritis by reducing pain and improving function. (10.1016/j.eats.2015.04.003)
- [L4] The CAM procedure reduced pain, improved function, and provided reasonable short-term durability for young, active patients with advanced shoulder OA, serving as a joint-preserving alternative to arthroplasty. (10.1016/j.arthro.2012.10.028)
- [L4] The results of arthroscopic stabilization reported in the literature are variable and each technique must be analyzed individually to properly determine the role of arthroscopy in glenohuminal stabilization. (10.1177/03635465000280042801)
- [L3] Arthroscopic debridement improved clinical outcome in 68% of patients suffering from advanced OA of glenohumeral joint. (10.1186/s12891-015-0741-9)
- [L4] This study demonstrates significant improvements in midterm clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction after the arthroscopic CAM procedure for GHOA, with a 76.9% survivorship rate at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. (10.1177/0363546516656372)
- [L4] Treatment of glenohumeral arthritis with arthroscopic glenoid resurfacing provided superior results in this series to their previously performed arthroscopic procedure. (10.1016/j.arthro.2009.04.015)
- [L5] Clinical studies report that an arthroscopic approach to glenohumeral arthritis using various joint-preserving procedures reduces pain, improves function, and improves clinical outcome scores in the short- to mid-term follow-up period. (10.5435/jaaos-d-17-00214)
- [L3] The CAM procedure reliably improves pain and function in active patients with advanced GHOA, but patients with less joint space and abnormal posterior glenoid shape are significantly more likely to progress to early failure. (10.1177/0363546516668823)
- [L4] CAM is a reasonable option for patients with localized cartilage defects and specific radiographic findings, while HA or TSA are feasible options for those with humeral head incongruity or large anterior osteophytes. (10.1530/eor-2023-0156)
- [L3] Arthroscopic debridement is an excellent treatment for elderly patients with modest functional demands, though long-term consequences require further evaluation. (10.1007/s00402-004-0738-6)
- [L4] Although there are limited nonarthroplasty surgical options available for glenohumeral arthritis, isolated arthroscopic debridement and capsular release may not provide substantial benefit to justify its use in most patients. (10.1016/j.arthro.2014.08.025)
- [L1] This systematic review shows that arthroscopic debridement for glenohumeral arthritis lacks high-quality evidence to support its routine use. (10.1016/j.arthro.2013.02.022)
- [L4] Surgical arthroscopic repair was possible in all cases of acute or recurrent instability with well-defined exclusion criteria. (10.1055/s-0032-1327656)
- [L4] Comprehensive arthroscopic management without axillary nerve release or subacromial decompression achieves satisfactory and durable results in young patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. (10.1007/s00167-023-07377-0)
- [L4] The majority of patients demonstrated sustained improvement in patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction without conversion to total shoulder arthroplasty at long-term follow-up, although some patients progressed to arthroplasty. (10.1177/2325967121s00213)
- [L1] Arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis provides improvements in ROM and patient-reported outcomes with minimal complications. (10.1016/j.arthro.2020.02.036)
- [L4] Arthroscopic debridement of the shoulder has a role to play in the management of osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, with the most improvement in regaining external rotation, decreasing pain, and improvement in the ability to perform ADLs. (10.1016/j.arthro.2010.04.032)
- [L4] Arthroscopic debridement with capsular release may provide a window of improved symptoms and function before deterioration of the joint leads to a more significant operation, especially in younger patients with mild or moderate osteoarthritic changes. (10.1016/j.arthro.2006.11.016)
- [L4] Arthroscopic debridement and biological resurfacing of the glenoid is a minimally invasive therapeutic option for pain relief, functional improvement and patient satisfaction, in glenohumeral osteoarthritis, in the intermediate-term. (10.1007/s00167-010-1155-8)
- [L4] The technique aims to decrease pain originating from the patellofemoral joint and related structures by eliminating pain sources from the subchondral bone and synovium. (10.1016/j.eats.2021.08.021)
- [L3] The survivorship rate at minimum 10-year follow-up was 63.2%, with humeral head flattening and severe joint incongruity identified as risk factors for failure. (10.1177/0363546520962756)
- [L4] Most perioperative costs associated with the arthroscopic treatment of glenohumeral instability are facility utilization and implant costs. (10.1016/j.jseint.2020.01.006)
- [L4] Although progressive radiographic osteoarthritic changes occur, they do not negatively influence clinical results. (10.1016/j.arthro.2008.03.007)
- [L4] After the CAM procedure we found an 84% survivorship at 3 years and 72% survivorship at 5 years. (10.1177/2325967116s00104)
References¶
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