Bone Loss and Glenohumeral Instability

Glenohumeral instability secondary to glenohumeral bone loss presents a complex problem to the treating surgeon because of the complex biomechanics of the glenohumeral joint and its reliance on numerous dynamic and static stabilizers. The role of glenoid bone loss, specifically inferior-anterior glenoid bone loss, has been well characterized in the setting of recurrent unidirectional instability with greatly improved clinical results when following an algorithmic reconstructive approach to the location and percentage of overall bone loss. Furthermore, as the role of bipolar bone loss in the setting of glenohumeral engagement becomes more apparent, surgeons can more effectively address those lesions contributing to the recurrent instability. As such, surgeons should carefully and critically asses patients with recurrent anterior instability to optimize patient clinical outcomes.