Optimal glenoid fixation requires cement!

The choice of cemented versus uncemented glenoid component fixation has generated controversy, but the evidence favors cement. Studies have shown survivorship of cemented all-polyethylene glenoid components of 95% at 10 years and still over 90% at 15 years. Virtually all glenoid with stiff metal backing, especially those that snap-fit to assemble, have had poor results even at early follow-up. Recent designs with either all-polyethylene cementless fixation or using a less-stiff, integrated tantalum backing have promising early results.