Glenohumeral arthrodesis for recurrent types II and III shoulder instability

This study reports the clinical outcome after glenohumeral arthrodesis for recurrent type II (atraumatic structural) and type III (muscle patterning nonstructural disorder) shoulder instability.

A retrospective review was conducted at a single facility. Eight consecutive patients (7 women and 1 man) with recurrent shoulder instability underwent arthrodesis and were monitored for a mean of 57 months (range, 24-123 months). Mean age at the time of surgery was 47 years (range, 21-73 years).

Bony union was achieved in all patients at a mean time to fusion of 3 months (range, 1-11 months). No complications, such as routine removal of the metalwork or loosening, were noted. No residual perceived glenohumeral instability was reported, and no patient developed scapulothoracic instability or painful scapular dyskinesis. The mean Oxford Shoulder Instability Score improved from 8 preoperatively (range, 0-19) to 32 postoperatively (range, 16-41; P = .001). This was accompanied by an increase in the mean subjective shoulder value, which improved from 22 (range, 0-50) preoperatively to 73 (range, 50-100) postoperatively (P = .004).

In our series, glenohumeral arthrodesis was associated with no complications and was able to reduce pain, eliminate instability, and improve functional outcome. It should therefore be considered in this patient population.