Management of Glenoid Bone Loss with Anterior Shoulder Instability: Indications and Outcomes

Glenoid Bone Loss is a commonly encountered problem in anterior shoulder instability. In this article, we review current techniques for diagnosis, indications and management of glenoid bone loss.

Multiple bone grafting techniques are available depending on the glenoid defect size including the coracoid, distal clavicle, iliac crest, and allograft distal tibia. Advancement in imaging methods allows for more accurate quantification of bone loss. Indications and techniques are continuing to evolve, and emerging evidence suggests that smaller degrees of bone loss "subcritical" may be best treated with bone grafting. Future directions for innovation and investigation include improved arthroscopic techniques and a refinement of indications for the type of bone grafts and when to indicate a patient of arthroscopic repair versus glenoid bone grafting for smaller degrees of bone loss to ensure successful outcome.