Gleno-Humeral arthritis in young patients: Clinical and radiographic analysis of humerus resurfacing prosthesis and meniscus interposition

Recently, interest about glenoid resurfacing with lateral meniscus in osteoarthritis of the shoulder has been increasing. Aim of this study is to evaluate the results of this procedure, from a clinical and a radiographic point of view. Constant score, DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Elbow) questionnaire, some specific questions about satisfaction after surgery, and radiographic exams were performed pre-operatively and post-operatively, at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Constant score improved from 49.8 to 66.2. 84.4% of the patients were satisfied. Mean Dash was about 24.2 points. Gleno-Humeral measurement on X-Ray shows a good widening of the articular space after surgery (5.92 mm), but a narrowing (2.07 mm), at 2 years of follow-up. We have suspended glenoid resurfacing because narrowing of the articular space at follow-up can be related to meniscal resorption and clinical results are good but comparable with humeral resurfacing alone, as seen in the literature. Long-term follow-up studies are needed. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.