Arthroscopy-Assisted Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Glenoid Fracture with Scapular Involvement: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: We investigated the superiority of arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treating glenoid fracture with scapular involvement. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with glenoid fracture who underwent ARIF or ORIF from 2010–2020. Radiographic outcomes were assessed, and clinical outcomes (active range of motion [ROM], visual analog scale [VAS], Constant, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) were evaluated 12 months postoperatively. Results: Forty-four patients with Ideberg type II–VI glenoid fractures (ARIF: 20; ORIF: 24; follow-up 12–22 months) were included. Union was achieved in all patients. Active ROM values were comparable between the approaches. Constant and DASH scores were non-significantly better with ARIF (90.9 ± 9.2 vs. 86.6 ± 18.1 [p = 0.341] and 6.8 ± 9.4 vs. 9.3 ± 21.3 [p = 0.626], respectively). However, VAS scores were significantly lower with ARIF (1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 2.7 ± 1.4, p = 0.001). Associated intra-articular lesions (articular depressions [80%], superior labral anterior-posterior tear [20%], labral tears [30%]) were found in most ARIF cases and were repaired during ARIF. Conclusions: For glenoid fracture with scapular involvement, ARIF allows accurate diagnosis of fracture pattern and the management of associated intra-articular lesions, with better pain control outcomes than ORIF. Thus, arthroscopy-assistant surgery should be considered in patient with glenoid fracture.

Contribution of arthroscopy in the treatment of anterior glenoid rim fractures: a comparison with open surgery

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the clinical and radiologic outcomes of Ideberg type IA glenoid fractures treated using conventional open surgery compared with those treated with arthroscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter study of anterior glenoid rim fractures (Ideberg IA) treated with conventional open surgery (group O) or arthroscopic surgery (group A). Included were 56 patients: 10 in group O and 46 in group A. The patients were reviewed after a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. The Constant score was used as an objective clinical outcome. Radiographs were reviewed to assess the quality of the postoperative reduction, fracture healing, complications, and whether osteoarthritis was present at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 30 months (range, 12-115 months), there was no significant difference between the groups based on the Constant Score (group O: 74 points; group A: 84 points, P = .07). None of the shoulders showed signs of instability. Conversely, the rate of postoperative complications was higher in group O than in group A (30% vs. 4%; P = .03). Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was found in 10% of group O patients and 18% of group A patients (P = .65).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that anterior glenoid rim fractures have similar functional outcomes, whether treated using conventional open surgery or arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery appears to reduce the complication and reoperation rate.