Milwaukee shoulder refers to a destructive shoulder arthropathy due to the deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals, and identification of these crystals in synovial fluid is the cornerstone of diagnosis.
On this page:
Epidemiology
Milwaukee shoulder frequently affects older women, often with a history of trauma to the region.
Clinical presentation
Symptoms are usually comparatively mild, despite rapid and marked progression of radiographic features.
Radiographic features
Plain radiograph
Radiographic findings are striking and resemble a neuropathic joint, with advanced articular surface destruction with intra-articular loose bodies, subchondral sclerosis, soft tissue swelling and rotator cuff disruption. Cases often demonstrate superior subluxation of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid fossa 4. The superior subluxation can also result in pseudoarthrosis with the distal clavicle and/or acromion 7.
MRI
MRI findings mirror those of the plain radiographs and include:
- large shoulder joint effusion
- complete rotator cuff tear
- narrowing of the glenohumeral joint
- thinning of cartilage
- destruction of subchondral bone
Treatment and prognosis
No specific treatment is available, only supportive treatment for symptom relief 3.
History and etymology
Regius Professor of Surgery, Dr Robert Adams (1791-1875) was an Irish surgeon who first described this pathology in his own textbook published in 1857 5. In 1981, a group of Milwaukee-based researchers encountered four cases of rotator cuff loss, shoulder arthropathy and joint effusions containing calcium phosphate crystals and hence coined the term "Milwaukee shoulder" 6.
Differential diagnosis
General imaging differential considerations include:
- Charcot joint
- vanishing bone disease
- advanced secondary osteoarthritis
- previous trauma
- previous septic arthritis
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.