Use of a caged, bone ingrowth, glenoid implant in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty technique and early results.

Shoulder arthroplasty represents one of the fastest growing orthopaedic procedures in the USA. In comparison to hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty has higher patient satisfaction and lower revision rates. Aseptic glenoid loosening remains a concern for longevity of total shoulder arthroplasties. Cement fixation on the glenoid side represents the primary and only mode of fixation in the majority of implants in the USA. Metal backed glenoid designs have demonstrated higher failure rates, primarily due to thinning of the polyethylene bearing surface. We reviewed our early experience and results with a novel glenoid design. Long-term fixation in this design is provided by a central metallic bone ingrowth cage, without the need for metal backing.