The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 75, Issue 4 479-484, Copyright © 1993 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular fractures of the glenoid fossa
BF Kavanagh, JK Bradway and RH Cofield
Department of Orthopedics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Ten displaced intra-articular fractures of the glenoid fossa were treated
with open reduction and internal fixation between 1980 and 1987. Nine
patients were available for evaluation at an average of four years (range,
two to ten years) after the operation. Eight patients had mild or no
symptoms and little or no restriction of the motion of the shoulder. There
were no infections or malunions. The only complication was heterotopic
ossification in one patient. Radiographic evaluation showed no evidence of
traumatic osteoarthrosis in any patient. Open reduction and internal
fixation is a useful and safe technique for the treatment of selected,
displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa, and it can restore excellent
function of the shoulder.