The clinical results of arthroscopic repair of glenoid fractures

Abstract

Background: Glenoid fractures of the scapula are rare. This injury is associated with recurrent dislocations, persistent pain, and early onset of osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic procedures have been established in recent years. We report the clinical results of arthroscopic repair of glenoid fractures with suture anchors in our hospital.
Methods: Between July 2004 and November 2009, ten glenoid fractures of the scapula (Ideberg type I) were treated with arthroscopic repair. There were 7 females and 3 males. The average age was 66.7 (45 ∼ 74) years old. The average follow-up period was 17.6 (12 ∼ 36) months. Four cases had associated dislocation. Four cases had associated rotator cuff tear, and they were treated by arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We evaluated bone union, postoperative JOA score, range of motion, and the step between the bony fragment and the glenoid surface on axial view of CT.
Results: All cases had bone union. The average postoperative JOA score of all 10 cases, the cases with dislocation, and with rotator cuff tear were 91.9(78 ∼ 99.5), 89.4(85.5 ∼ 94), and 88.3(78 ∼ 97) points, respectively. The step between the bony fragment and the glenoid surface was 1.8(0.8 ∼ 4.1)mm.
Conclusion: Clinical results of arthroscopic repair of glenoid fractures with suture anchors were satisfactory.