Structural glenoid grafting during primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty using humeral head autograft

Abstract

Background: Large glenoid bone defects in the setting of glenohumeral arthritis can present a challenge to the shoulder arthroplasty surgeon. The results of large structural autografting at the time of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) are relatively unknown.

Methods: This retrospective case series describes the clinical and radiographic results of large structural autografting from the humeral head to the glenoid during primary RTSA.

Results: Of 17 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14 (82% follow-up) were evaluated postoperatively at a mean of 2.6 years (range, 2.0-5.4 years). Mean inclination correction was 19° ± 12° (range, 3°-35°). Complications occurred in 3 patients, including 1 transient brachial plexus palsy, 1 loose baseplate, and 1 dislocation treated with closed reduction. Radiographic images showed 100% of grafts incorporated. Active forward elevation improved from 80° ± 40° to 130° ± 49° (P = .028). The visual analog scale score for pain improved from 8.1 ± 1.3 to 2.5 ± 3.1 (P = .005). The Simple Shoulder Test improved from 1.8 ± 1.1 to 6.5 ± 4 (P = .012). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 22 ± 10 to 66 ± 25 (P = .012). All patients (100%) were satisfied, and all patients (93%) but 1 stated that they would undergo the procedure again if given the chance.

Conclusions: RTSA incorporating structural grafting of the glenoid with humeral head autograft results in significant improvements in active forward elevation, pain, and function, with a low complication rate. This technique can reliably be used to achieve correction of large (up to 35°) glenoid defects with a 93% chance of baseplate survival and a 100% chance of graft incorporation in the short-term.

Keywords: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty; bone grafting; glenoid bone loss; outcomes studies; shoulder arthroplasty; shoulder replacement.