Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with meniscal allograft: long-term results with minimum 2-year follow-up

BackgroundThere is a lack of consensus in treating glenohumeral arthritis in younger patients. Hemiarthroplasty has historically been favored because of complications associated with total shoulder arthroplasty. Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid has been investigated as a potential treatment that would decrease glenoid erosion and pain, the major complications of hemiarthroplasty.Materials and methodsWe report on 19 shoulders treated with meniscal allograft glenoid resurfacing and shoulder hemiarthroplasty. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years postoperatively (mean, 4.25 years) with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. In addition, we compared the outcomes related to preoperative concentric versus eccentric glenoid wear.ResultsAt final follow-up, the mean score for the DASH questionnaire was 28; SST, 8; and VAS, 3.5. Whereas the eccentric wear group (DASH score, 19.4; SST score, 9.1; VAS score, 2.5) exhibited better shoulder function and pain scores compared with the concentric wear group (DASH score, 37.6; SST score, 8.4; VAS score, 4.1), the difference was not statistically significant (P = .098, P = .647, and P = .198, respectively). There were 6 complications (32%), all resulting in repeat surgery. Three patients underwent total shoulder arthroplasty and one shoulder had revision hemiarthroplasty, whereas synovectomy was performed in another shoulder. The sixth patient underwent lysis of adhesions and capsular release.DiscussionWith long-term follow-up, we have observed that biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with meniscal allograft exhibits inconsistent results and high complication rates. Strong consideration should be given to performing total shoulder arthroplasty in patients in whom all conservative treatment options have failed.