We analyzed the radiographs and clinical signs of shoulder joints in 131 patients on longterm hemodialysis to confirm the major lesions resulting in shoulder pain. Radiological changes were noted in 71 joints (27.2%) . There were 24 patients who had persistant shoulder pain for over two months. The mean age of these patients was 53.2 years, ranging from 32 to 73. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 11.2 years, with a range of six months to 22 years. In patients who had been on hemodialysis for more than 15 years, the incidence of shoulder pain was high (36.6%) . A statistically significant correlation was observed between the site of the cystic bone lesion and shoulder pain. Cystic bone lesions with lesser tuberosity or intertuberosity were associated with the pain, but not those with greater tuberosity.
