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Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Glenoid bone-grafting in total shoulder arthroplasty
1Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, N.Y. 10032.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Bone grafting can enable total shoulder arthroplasty even with significant bone loss in the glenoid. This surgical technique successfully restored function in most patients, avoiding further procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Abnormal glenoid bone loss is a contraindication for unconstrained total shoulder arthroplasty.
- Grafting techniques may offer solutions for glenoid reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bone grafting for glenoid reconstruction in total shoulder arthroplasty.
- To assess clinical outcomes and implant survival after glenoid bone grafting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 463 total shoulder arthroplasties (1973-1985).
- Analysis of 65 shoulders with abnormal glenoid architecture treated with bone grafts (large internally fixed or smaller non-fixed).
- Clinical follow-up of 19 shoulders treated with large grafts for at least two years.
Main Results:
- Bone grafting allowed glenoid component implantation in 65 of 65 abnormal glenoids.
- Nineteen of twenty shoulders with large grafts showed excellent (16) or satisfactory (1) results.
- No glenoid components loosened or migrated; no further surgery was required.
Conclusions:
- Bone grafting is a viable option for restoring osseous support in severely damaged glenoids.
- Grafting enables total shoulder arthroplasty in cases previously considered contraindicated.
- Grafting techniques demonstrated durable clinical success and implant stability.

