Non-vascularized coracoid process autograft for glenoid reconstruction in revision shoulder arthroplasty

To report the radiological and clinical outcomes of non-vascularized coracoid process autografts used for glenoid reconstruction during revision shoulder arthroplasty.

This is a retrospective, monocentric study from January 2016 to October 2022 targeting patients treated with a coracoid bone graft for glenoid reconstruction during revision of shoulder arthroplasty. The primary outcome measures were coracoid graft union rate and graft-implant osseointegration. Secondary outcome measures included clinical and CT-scan identified radiological complications and functional outcomes as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Constant score (absolute and ponderate), and ASES score.

Fifteen patients (9 males, 6 females; mean age 66.9 years, range 38–85) were included. At a mean follow-up of 20.9 months (range 12–56 months), 93.3% achieved complete graft integration. One case of partial lysis without baseplate loosening was noted. Regarding range of motion, the mean forward elevation was 130° (range 90°-170°), external rotation at the side 25° (range 10°-40°), external rotation in 90° of abduction 45° (range 10°-80°), and internal rotation 52° (range 10–80°). The mean VAS for pain was 1.1 (range 0–8), mean SSV 67.3% (range 40–90%), mean ASES score 85.5 (range 65–98.3), mean Absolute Constant score 58.6 (range 21–83), and mean Ponderate Constant score 77.5% (range 28.8–110.7%). No neurological injuries were reported.

Utilizing a non-vascularized coracoid graft during shoulder arthroplasty revision is a safe, reproducible, and time-efficient technique that demonstrated satisfactory osseointegration, implant stability, good functional results, and a low complication rate.