Outcome of glenoid neck fractures

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of extraarticular glenoid neck fractures with respect to glenoid neck malunion and rotator cuff injury. These fractures are often considered to have a favorable outcome if treated conservatively. More recent studies reveal that the outcome is not uniformly good, but the cause of poor outcomes has not been investigated. Our study identified 9 patients who had sustained a glenoid neck fracture of the scapula within the last 10 years and who were treated conservatively with immobilization and then early active motion. Their functional and anatomic outcomes were analyzed by clinical examination and validated scoring systems, including the Oxford questionnaire and Constant score. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging were correlated to outcome. None of the 9 patients were pain-free, and some had poor Oxford and Constant scores. Pain was associated with glenoid neck malunion and evidence of subacromial bursitis or rotator cuff tendinopathy (or both).