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Case Reports
. 2024 Jun 22;19(9):3840-3844.
doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.05.074. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Incomplete glenoid ossification: A case report

Amol H Trivedi  1   2 , Danielle Yin  3 , Lulu He  3 , Sam Akhavan  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Incomplete glenoid ossification: A case report

Amol H Trivedi et al. Radiol Case Rep. .

Abstract

Ossification of the glenoid is a predictable developmental process in adolescents. However, a lack of knowledge of the variability of this process provides a challenge in discerning between normal adolescent development and shoulder pathology. We presented a case of a 15-year-old male with chronic intermittent right shoulder pain who was diagnosed with a labral tear based on presentation, physical exam, and magnetic resonance arthrogram. He subsequently underwent a diagnostic arthroscopy which revealed no evidence of labral or bony pathology and was instead concluded to have an incomplete ossification of the glenoid. His symptoms were assessed to be related to rotator cuff tendinitis, for which he underwent focused physical therapy which resulted in complete resolution of symptoms at his 1-month postoperative follow-up. Understanding the normal ossification process of the glenoid clinically and through imaging can help physicians recognize normal shoulder development and avoid misinterpretation of findings as pathology in adolescent patients.

Keywords: Case report; Glenoid fracture; Glenoid ossification; Labral tear; Shoulder pain.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Anterior-posterior X-Ray of right shoulder at initial visit.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
Y-view X-ray of the right shoulder at initial visit.
Fig 3
Fig. 3
Axillary view X-ray of the right shoulder at initial visit.
Fig 4
Fig. 4
Sagittal T2-weighted MRA of the right shoulder shows mild flattening of the posterosuperior humeral head, suggestive of a Hill-Sachs deformity.
Fig 5
Fig. 5
Sagittal T1-weighted MRA of the right shoulder demonstrates the ossification center present along the anterior inferior aspect of the glenoid, spanning between 3:00 and 6:00 on the glenoid clockface.
Fig 6
Fig. 6
T1-weighted MRA of abducted and externally rotated right shoulder showing glenoid secondary ossification center at the anterior inferior aspect of the glenoid with an intact labrum (arrow). Intermediate T1 signal is seen at the border of the secondary ossification signal (arrowhead) representing cartilage.
Fig 7
Fig. 7
T1-weighted Axial MRA of the right shoulder showing glenoid secondary ossification center at the anterior inferior aspect of the glenoid with an intact labrum (arrow). Intermediate T1 signal is seen at the border of the secondary ossification signal (arrowhead) representing cartilage.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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