Radiographic and clinical comparison of pegged and keeled glenoid components using modern cementing techniques: midterm results of a prospective randomized study.

Background: Glenoid component loosening remains a significant issue after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Pegged glenoid components have shown better lucency rates than keeled components in the short term; however, midterm to long-term results have not fully been determined. We previously reported early outcomes of the current randomized controlled group of patients, with higher glenoid lucency rates in those with a keeled glenoid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of these components at minimum 5-year follow-up.

Methods: Fifty-nine total shoulder arthroplasties were performed in patients with primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Patients were randomized to receive either a pegged or keeled glenoid component. Three raters graded radiographic glenoid lucencies. Clinical outcome scores and active mobility outcomes were collected preoperatively and at yearly postoperative appointments.

Results: Of the 46 shoulders meeting the inclusion criteria, 38 (82.6%) were available for minimum 5-year radiographic follow-up. After an average of 7.9 years, radiographic lucency was present in 100% of pegged and 91% of keeled components (P = .617). Grade 4 or 5 lucency was present in 44% of pegged and 36% of keeled components (P = .743). There were no differences in clinical outcome scores or active mobility outcomes between shoulders with pegged and keeled components at last follow-up. Within the initial cohort, 20% of the keeled shoulders (6 of 30) and 7% of the pegged shoulders (2 of 29) underwent revision surgery (P = .263). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in survival rates between groups (P = .560).

Conclusion: At an average 7.9-year follow-up, non-ingrowth, all-polyethylene pegged glenoid implants are equivalent to keeled implants with respect to radiolucency, clinical outcomes, and need for revision surgery.