Effects of implant rotational malposition on contact surface area after implantation of the augmented glenoid baseplate in the setting of glenoid bone loss.

Aim Of The Study: Augmented glenoid baseplates are utilized in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of glenoid bone loss. These implants permit lateralization of the joint line and correction of bony version abnormalities. To allow bone preservation in the setting of abnormal bony version or deficiency, the backside of the augmented glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular to the axis of the central post/screw. Thus, if the baseplate is implanted with any rotational malposition, this could affect the backside contact area available for ingrowth. The purpose of this study was to assess if rotational malpositioning of a full-wedge augmented baseplate alongside the axis of the central screw significantly affects the glenoid implant backside contact area.

Methods: Seven synthetic scapulas (Sawbones, Vashon, WA) were used to implant a 15° full-wedge glenoid baseplate (Wright Medical, Memphis, TN) according to the manufacturer's technique. The contact pressure between the baseplate and the glenoid surface at rotational positions 5°, 10°, and 15° clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) from the central axis was measured with Extreme Low Fujifilm Prescale (Tekscan, Boston, MA). The data was analyzed digitally to obtain a percentage of contact surface area. To evaluate gross contact, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and manual measurements of contact between the glenoid and the baseplate were conducted using a standardized axial CT slice.

Results: The average contact area at zero degrees of malrotation was 37.26 ± 3.27%. Average contact areas for the simulated malposition cases were 13.99 ± 9.39% at 15° CCW, 24.89 ± 5.11% at 10° CW, and 19.32 ± 3.13% at 15° CW. Each of these results was significant (p < 0.003). On computed tomography, at 15° CCW, the contact area decreased by 39%; at 15° CW, the contact area decreased by 38%.

Discussion: The use of augmented glenoid baseplates presents a technical challenge. It is difficult to avoid implant malrotation along the axis of the central peg/screw, because the final rotation of the baseplate must be chosen while the implant is several centimeters away from the bone. This study found that 10° and 15° malrotation about the glenoid baseplate's central axis leads to significant decreases in the implant-bone contact area.

Conclusions: When implanting an augmented baseplate for total shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to minimize baseplate malrotation to decrease the risk of baseplate loosening.