Correction of Static Posterior Shoulder Subluxation by Restoring Normal Scapular Anatomy Using Acromion and Glenoid Osteotomies

Abstract

Case: A 40-year-old man presented with progressive shoulder pain, associated with static posterior subluxation and mild eccentric glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Compared with a mean statistical shape model of a normal shoulder, the patient's acromion was abnormally high and horizontal, and the glenoid abnormally inclined inferiorly and minimally retroverted. Restoration of normal scapular anatomy using 3-dimensional planned acromial and glenoid osteotomies led to recentering of the joint and full shoulder function up to 24 months postoperatively. Conclusion: The correction of associated acromial and glenoid malformation can revert early static posterior subluxation of the shoulder. Whether successful recentering prevents progression of osteoarthritis remains to be established.