Addressing glenoid erosion in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Severe glenoid wear is technically problematic, has a higher complication rate, and inferior results in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty. This paper introduces four basic strategies for treating glenoid erosion with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty which include; 1. eccentric reaming, 2. bone grafting of glenoid, 3. reaming and bone grafting, and 4. using augmented baseplates. The benefits and shortcomings of each of these techniques are discussed. The reverse shoulder arthroplasty has many advantages over anatomic shoulder arthroplasty when dealing with severe glenoid defects. Augmented baseplates are new and allow the surgeon to treat various different glenoid defects with preservation of glenoid subchondral bone.