Demographic and anatomic predictors of glenoid morphology: a systematic review

The glenohumeral (GH) joint displays diverse glenoid morphology or wear patterns that affect joint alignment, stability, and function. These morphological variations are influenced by sex, ethnicity, and height, potentially limiting the effectiveness of standardized prosthetics. While previous studies have linked glenoid shape to shoulder instability and bone loss, the demographic and anatomic predictors for glenoid morphology or specific glenoid wear patterns remain unclear. This review aims to identify key demographic and anatomical predictors of glenoid morphology to inform surgical planning and improve total shoulder arthroplasty outcomes.

We performed a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science with a search cutoff date of August 2024. We included the studies that addressed demographic and anatomic predictors, such as age, sex, height, hand dominance, laterality, and glenoid morphology. A methodological quality assessment was conducted independently as per standardized set of criteria known as Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.

We retrieved a total of nine studies that reported on demographic and anatomic predictors and glenoid morphology. Seven of these studies were of good quality, while two were of fair quality. Glenoid size was consistently larger in males and positively correlated with age, height, and weight. We also observed that subtype B2 glenoid is linked to increased humeral osteophyte length in primary GH osteoarthritis.

Age, male sex, and height are associated with increased glenoid dimensions and version, while subtype B2 glenoid correlates with advanced GH osteoarthritis and bone loss. B2 glenoid present greater surgical challenges requiring individualized approaches. Larger studies are needed to confirm these predictors and explore genetic and molecular links to disease severity.