The management of glenohumeral arthritis in the young patient remains a challenging problem for the treating clinician. The activity demands seen in such patient populations require a unique understanding of what the goals of treatment are to ensure satisfied and sustainable outcomes. In addition, younger patients have a longer life expectancy and more active lifestyles, which can negatively impact the longevity of arthroplasty implants that are traditionally used in the older patient population. As such, the discovery and implementation of novel and anatomy preserving techniques continue to evolve to meet the demand of younger patients without compromising their outcomes. <div> </div><div>This practical text serves to educate the treating clinician on how to recognize and categorize glenohumeral osteoarthritis in young patients and offers insight into the various operative and non-operative treatment options.