Management of glenoid bone defects with reverse shoulder arthroplasty-surgical technique and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Background: Management of significant glenoid bone loss in patients undergoing a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) poses a significant treatment challenge. The long-term outcome of single-stage RSA with glenoid bone grafting is unknown. This study assesses the indications, technique, and outcome of RSA with glenoid bone grafting.

Materials and methods: Between 2001 and 2010, there were 1074 RSAs performed at our institution; 94 patients had significant glenoid bone loss. Each glenoid defect was subclassified as centric or eccentric and graded 1-4. The patients underwent a single-stage or 2-stage RSA with glenoid bone grafting. A retrospective analysis of the preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic outcome was carried out. The mean follow-up was 2.4 years (0.52-10.7 years).

Results: Of these patients, 17% had a centric defect and 83% had an eccentric glenoid defect. Composite glenoid grafts were required in 12 patients, 9 of whom required a glenoid baseplate with a long central peg; 92.5% (87/94) of the patients could be managed with a single-stage procedure. Improvement in the Constant score of 61 points (17.9 to 78.9; P < .01) and the mean Simple Shoulder Test score of 5.8 points (1.6 to 7.5; P < .001) was noted. No correlation was found between the clinical outcome and indication for surgery, age, location of defect, and size of defect.

Conclusion: Severe glenoid bone loss can usually be managed by a single-stage bone graft and RSA. A 2-stage procedure is recommended when primary baseplate stability is not attainable.

Keywords: Reverse shoulder replacement; glenoid bone loss classification; glenoid defects; glenoid reconstruction; long-peg baseplate; revision.