Arthroscopic assessment of glenoid component loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty

Component loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty is uncommon. Evaluation of the painful total shoulder can be difficult. Radiography may not be accurate enough to assess component loosening. A retrospective study of nine patients undergoing arthroscopy and later open surgery to confirm arthroscopic findings was undertaken. Plain radiographs correlated with component loosening in two of six patients. Arthrography correlated in one of three patients. Arthroscopy accurately evaluated glenoid component loosening in all patients with this problem. After shoulder arthroplasty patients who develop increasing pain and loss of motion require further evaluation. Radiographic studies appear to be less sensitive than arthroscopic techniques in the evaluation of glenoid component loosening. Arthroscopy has proved to be a valuable technique for the evaluation of patients with painful total shoulder arthroplasty.