Retroverted glenoid reconstruction using glenoid plate in reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cuff tear arthropathy with significant glenoid retroversion presents surgical challenges.
• Standard reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) may be less effective in cases of severe glenoid deformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA utilizing glenoid plating for severe glenoid retroversion (>15°).
• To assess the stabilization of autologous humeral head grafts with glenoid plating.

Main Methods:

• A series of 20 patients with cuff tear arthropathy and glenoid retroversion >15° underwent RSA with a dedicated glenoid plate.
• Clinical outcomes (Constant Score, Subjective Shoulder Value) and radiological assessments (X-ray, CT scan) were performed at 24 months.
• Graft healing, resorption, and glenoid version were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Mean preoperative glenoid retroversion of 24° was corrected to a mean of 2° postoperatively (p=0.002).
• At 24 months, mean Constant Score and Subjective Shoulder Value significantly improved (p<0.001).
• 100% graft healing was observed, with minimal resorption in 12.5% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Glenoid plating in RSA is a viable alternative for reconstructing retroverted glenoids in severe glenoid deficiency.
• This technique offers favorable clinical and radiological results, addressing a significant orthopedic challenge.