New design of a cementless glenoid component in unconstrained shoulder arthroplasty: a prospective medium-term analysis of 143 cases

The uncemented glenoid implants in total anatomical shoulder arthroplasty are likely to be accused of problems like dissociations, secondary rotator cuff tear, and wear of polyethylene (PE). This work is a clinical and radiological prospective review of 143 cases of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty using a new metal back uncemented glenoid implant (MB) in order to see if this new implant induces those complications. A total of 143 cases were operated between 2003 and 2011. In a first part, the whole series of 143 cases was radiologically studied in order to quantify the lateralisation induced by the MB implant. In a second study, 37 cases had a mean follow-up of 38 months (24-75, mean 32) and served for the clinical and radiological final study. Pre- and postoperative clinical evaluation was done using the Constant-Murley score and the simple shoulder test from Matsen. The final X-rays served to detect an eventual secondary narrowing of the joint space and to analyse the frequency of radio lucent lines (RLL) and loosenings. Despite a small radiological lateralisation in comparison with the normal contralateral side (0.36 cm, p = 0.02), the clinical results after 2 years were similar to the published cemented glenoid implants series but without any RLL, glenoid loosening or joint narrowing. Some dissociations occured in the beginning and definitely eliminated by a design modification of the PE tray. The discussion tried to show that, despite a still short follow-up, this series is encouraging to continue to use this new MB implant. Different applications of the concept of universality and conversion are discussed, this tray been also the support of a glenosphere in reverse arthroplasty.