A complication of posterior glenoid osteotomy for recurrent posterior shoulder instability

Posterior glenoid osteotomy (posterior glenoplasty) is a standard surgical reconstructive operation for recurrent posterior instability of the shoulder. A 34-year-old man was treated by glenoid osteotomy and subsequently developed significant glenohumeral arthritis. Following several surgical procedures, only total shoulder arthroplasty gave substantial pain relief and restored stability. Inadvertent penetration of the glenohumeral joint at the time of osteotomy may have predisposed the patient to glenohumeral arthritis. Extreme care should be exercised not to damage the shoulder joint during this procedure.