Radiographic comparison of two glenoid preparation techniques in total shoulder arthroplasty.

Abstract

We compared the prevalence of periglenoid radiolucencies between two glenoid component preparation techniques used in total shoulder arthroplasties. Seventy-two consecutive patients with primary osteoarthritis had total shoulder arthroplasties using one prosthetic system with flat-back keeled polyethylene glenoid components. Thirty-seven shoulders had glenoid implants that were cemented after standard curettage preparation of the keel slot. Thirty-five shoulders had glenoid implants that were cemented after using bone compaction to prepare the keel slot. The immediate postoperative and 2-year postoperative radiographs were examined to evaluate the presence and progression of periglenoid radiolucencies. The curettage group had a higher rate (38%) of keel radiolucencies than the compaction group (11%) seen on the immediate postoperative radiographs. Both groups had progression of periglenoid radiolucencies with time. Progression of the radiolucent lines was worse in the curettage group 2 years after arthroplasty. Preparation of the glenoid component keel slot with the bone compaction technique seems to achieve better fixation of flat-back keeled polyethylene glenoid components in total shoulder arthroplasties.