Relationship Between Glenoid Component Shift and Osteolysis After Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate glenoid component position and radiolucency following anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) using sequential 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) analysis.

Methods: In a series of 152 patients (42 Walch A1, 16 A2, 7 B1, 49 B2, 29 B3, 3 C1, 3 C2, and 3 D glenoids) undergoing anatomic TSA with a polyethylene glenoid component, sequential 3D CT analysis was performed preoperatively (CT1), early postoperatively (CT2), and at a minimum 2-year follow-up (CT3). Glenoid component shift was defined as a change in component version or inclination of ≥3° from CT2 to CT3. Glenoid component central anchor peg osteolysis (CPO) was assessed at CT3. Factors associated with glenoid component shift and CPO were evaluated.

Results: Glenoid component shift occurred from CT2 to CT3 in 78 (51%) of the 152 patients. CPO was seen at CT3 in 19 (13%) of the 152 patients, including 15 (19%) of the 78 with component shift. Walch B2 glenoids with a standard component and glenoids with higher preoperative retroversion were associated with a higher rate of shift, but not of CPO. B3 glenoids with an augmented component and glenoids with greater preoperative joint-line medialization were associated with CPO, but not with shift. More glenoid component joint-line medialization from CT2 to CT3 was associated with higher rates of shift and CPO. A greater absolute change in glenoid component inclination from CT2 to CT3 and a combined absolute glenoid component version and inclination change from CT2 to CT3 were associated with CPO. Neither glenoid component shift nor CPO was associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: Postoperative 3D CT analysis demonstrated that glenoid component shift commonly occurs following anatomic TSA, with increased inclination the most common direction. Most (81%) of the patients with glenoid component shift did not develop CPO. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the relationships of glenoid component shift and CPO with loosening over time.

Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.