Treatment of symptomatic glenoid loosening following unconstrained shoulder arthroplasty

Nine patients with symptomatic glenoid loosening were identified and ultima tely underwent surgical revision. Preoperative assessment demonstrated that pain, decreased range of motion, and functional disability were common fea tures. A painful dunking sensation with forward elevation of the arm was no ted in four of the nine patients. At surgical revision, a grossly loose gle noid component was found in all cases and removed. Seven of the nine patien ts underwent revision using another cemented glenoid component, and two pat ients were left with a hemiarthroplasty due to deficiency. Results followin g revision surgery demonstrated increased range of motion, decreased pain, and increased functional ability with good overall patient satisfaction in seven of nine patients. Two patients in whom revision glenoid components we re implanted were considered failures due to recurrent loosening. Although revision of the glenoid component is often technically feasible, recurrent loosening may occur. Revision to a hemiarthroplasty may be an acceptable al ternative to glenoid replacement.