Patient related functional outcome of glenoid rim fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient related outcome and shoulder stability following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with glenoid rim fractures. After a median follow-up of four years, 14 patients completed the Rowe Shoulder Stability Score and Quick DASH questionnaire. The median Rowe score was 90 (Q1: 88, Q3: 100). Results were graded excellent in 11 patients and good in three. The median DASH score was 4.6 (Q1: 0, Q3: 32). In conclusion this study showed that ORIF of type la and 2 glenoid rim fractures provided satisfactory results with respect to prevention of instability. However, patient reported functional outcome was disappointing in 21% of the patients.