1. Ten patients whose shoulders had been anthrodesed for degenerative conditions were reviewed.
2. The operation was successful and satisfactory in six patients, all of whom had degenerative changes demonstrable roentgenographically in the glenohumeral articulation. Fusion is indicated when such changes cause severe pain and stiffness unrelieved by prolonged conservative treatment or lesser surgery. Postoperatively the pain was relieved and the resulting stiffness was more a nuisance than a major disability. Pain in the muscles supporting the scapula was a problem in only one patient.
3. All four patients with tears of the rotator cuff continued to complain of pain after operation but all had questionable fusion or fusion in malposition. Arthrodesis of the shoulder in such patients appears difficult to attain and is, therefore, not recommended.