Editorial Commentary: Open Posterior Shoulder Stabilization-When Is It Needed? Glenoid Bone Loss Patterns Are Not Created Equal.

Abstract

Posterior shoulder instability remains a poorly understood pathologic entity. Our current treatment algorithm of simple posterior shoulder instability is fairly straightforward, with most patients receiving arthroscopic capsulorrhaphy with labral repair. However, in those with a failed arthroscopic intervention and/or with bony pathology, the optimal treatment is much less clear. As we move forward to evaluate how to optimally treat these patients, it will be critical to better understand the bony pathologies, including those with true posterior glenoid bone loss versus glenoid retroversion. Using novel methods to identify, measure, and quantify the different glenoid morphologies will be the foundation for improving the treatment of these complex and poorly understood pathologies.