Prospective midterm results of a new convertible glenoid component in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty: a cohort study

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a new anatomic convertible cementless glenoid component.

Forty-eight patients with a mean age of 67.3 years were clinically and radiologically followed-up with a mean of 49 months. Indications for glenoid replacement were A2 glenoid wear in 21.7%, B1 glenoid wear in 28.3%, B2 glenoid wear in 28.3%, B3 glenoid wear in 13%, D glenoid wear in 2.2%, and glenoid component loosening in 6.5%.

The Constant-Murley score improved significantly (p < 0.0001) from 50% pre-OP to 103% post-OP. Patients with a B3 glenoid type according to Walch achieved a significant (p = 0.044) lower Constant-Murley Sscore post-OP compared to patients with a B1 glenoid type (88% vs 106%). The mean subluxation index changed significantly (p < 0.0001) from 0.54 pre-OP to 0.46 post-OP. At the metal-back bone interface an incomplete radiolucent line < 1 mm was observed in two cases (4.2%) and an incomplete radiolucent line < 2 mm was observed in another two cases (4.2%). PE dissociation occurred in two cases. No glenoid loosening was observed. The implant related revision rate was 4.2% (2 cases). All components (n = 612.5%) requiring conversion to reverse were converted without any further complications or loosening.

Good functional results can be achieved in cases with a B1 and a B2 glenoid after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty using the described metal back glenoid. A conversion from an anatomic to a reverse glenoid component were possible in all cases without any further complications. Conversion of the anatomic glenoid component to a reverse system alleviates revision surgery.