Postarthroscopic Chondrolysis of the Glenohumeral Joint

Chondrolysis is a process of unknown etiology characterized by rapid progressive cartilage destruction with resultant pain and loss of motion. Chondrolysis after arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder is multifactorial. Recent reports suggest that the heat from radiofrequency ablation devices, certain bioabsorbable implants, and the local anesthetics delivered in excessive doses via pain pumps could play a role in its development. We review the current understanding of this condition and our institution's experience with glenohumeral chondrolysis. Our discussion will serve almost exclusively as a caveat to surgeons of a potentially catastrophic complication in the young patient.