Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation and bone grafting of a glenoid fossa fracture nonunion.

Abstract

Arthroscopy is commonly used for evaluating intra-articular fracture patterns and assessing postfixation reduction; however, the use of arthroscopy for the definitive treatment of articular fracture nonunion has not been reported. This article describes a case of symptomatic glenoid fossa fracture nonunion that was successfully treated with arthroscopically assisted percutaneous screw fixation and bone grafting. A 48-year-old laborer sustained a glenoid fossa fracture following a fall from a height. An initial period of nonoperative management was attempted; however, the patient reported continued shoulder pain during his rehabilitation course. Imaging 5 months after injury showed no osseous union at the fracture. Using an arthroscopically assisted technique, percutaneous fixation and bone grafting of the nonunion with cancellous allograft was performed. Postoperatively, the patient progressed through a structured therapy program, and his pain improved. A computed tomography scan 4 months postoperatively showed osseous union at the fracture site. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of definitive arthroscopically assisted bone grafting and percutaneous fixation of a diarthrodial joint nonunion. Advantages of arthroscopic fixation of glenoid fossa fracture nonunion include avoiding potential axillary nerve injury and preserving the native subscapularis insertion, which may be important if subsequent procedures require access to the anterior access to the joint.