Arthroscopically Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation of a Displaced Posterior Glenoid Fracture: A Case Report

Posterior deltoid-sparing approach for displaced inferior or posterior glenoid fossa fractures: technical note and case series

Scapular surgery has usually been performed through the posterior Judet approach. This approach allows access to the entire posterior scapular body, but causes significant soft tissue damage and detaches the deltoid muscle. To date, there has been no clinical study of a deltoid-preserving approach to access the joint for displaced postero-inferior glenoid fractures (Ideberg type II or Ib). We describe an easy and less invasive approach to the postero-inferior glenoid fossa.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation without Capsular Incision for Inferior Glenoid Fossa Fractures

Background

Scapular surgery is usually undertaken via the posterior approach described by Judet. This approach allows access to the entire posterior scapular body; however, it results in severe soft-tissue injury and requires an incision in the deltoid muscle. To date, no clinical study has been reported on open reduction and internal fixation without capsular incision for displaced inferior glenoid fractures (Ideberg type II). The purpose of this study was to introduce an easy and less invasive approach to the inferior glenoid fossa and evaluate its clinical outcomes.

Methods

Ten patients with displaced inferior glenoid fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation without capsular incision between January 2017 and July 2018. Postoperative computed tomography was performed to evaluate the reduction state within a week of the surgery. Clinical and radiological data from 7 patients who were followed up for more than 2 years were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 61.7 years (range, 35-87 years). The mean follow-up period was 28.6 months (range, 24-42 months). The mean preoperative fracture gap and step-off values were 12.3 ± 4.4 mm and 6.8 ± 4.0 mm, respectively. Surgical stabilization was conducted 6.4 days (range, 4-13 days) after trauma. Mean postoperative-preoperative fracture gap and step-off values were 0.6 ± 0.6 mm and 0.6 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. At 24 months after surgery, the mean Constant score was 89.1 ± 10.6 points (range, 69-100) and the mean pain visual analog scale score was 1.4 ± 1.7 (range, 0-5). Bony union was observed in all patients. The mean time to bony union was 11 ± 1.7 weeks. The mean active range values for forward elevation, external rotation, and abduction were 162.9° ± 11.1° (range, 150°-180°), 55.7° ± 15.1° (range, 30°-70°), and 158.6° ± 10.7° (range, 150°-180°), respectively.

Conclusions

The presented posterior open reduction and internal fixation without capsular incision or extensive soft-tissue dissection may be an easy and less invasive surgical approach for inferior glenoid fossa fractures (Ideberg type II).

Acute Fractures of the Glenoid

Glenoid fractures are unique in which they span the fields of orthopaedic traumatology and sports medicine. Treatment of glenoid fractures, whether surgical or nonsurgical, may be challenging and have long-term implications on pain and shoulder function. Plain radiographs are always indicated, and most glenoid fractures will require advanced imaging in the form of CT scan. Two general categories of glenoid fractures exist and differ in mechanism of injury, fracture morphology, and treatment. The first category is glenoid fractures with extension into the scapular neck and body. These fractures are typically from high-energy trauma and are often associated with other orthopaedic and nonorthopaedic injuries. The second category includes glenoid rim fractures, which are typically consequent of lower energy mechanisms and are associated with shoulder instability events. Treatment of glenoid rim fractures is dictated by the size and displacement of the fracture fragment and may be nonsurgical or surgical with either open and arthroscopic techniques. The purpose of this review was to discuss the current evidence on glenoid fractures regarding diagnosis, classification, management, and outcomes.