Radiographic comparison of flat-back and convex-back glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic results of 2 different glenoid component designs. This series consisted of 66 shoulder arthroplasties with primary osteoarthritis divided into 2 groups based on glenoid component type. One group comprised shoulders receiving cemented flat-back polyethylene glenoid implants. The other group comprised shoulders receiving cemented convex-back polyethylene glenoid implants. Immediate postoperative and 2-year postoperative radiographs were evaluated for the presence and progression of periglenoid radiolucencies, and the 2 groups were compared. Radiolucent line scores were calculated and compared for each group. The keeled, convex-back glenoid component was radiographically better than the keeled, flat-back glenoid component.