Case Report: Custom made 3D implants for glenoid tumor reconstruction should be designed as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Isolated bone tumors of the glenoid are exceedingly rare occurrence and pose a substantial surgical challenge. 3D printing technology has been proved to be a reliable tool to reconstruct complex anatomical part of the skeleton. We initially used this technology to reconstruct the glenoid component of the shoulder in a hemiarthroplasty configuration. We subsequently changed to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

Two patients were reconstructed with a hemiarthroplasty and 2 with a reverse configuration. Patients files were reviewed for radiographic analysis, pain and function scores.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 36.44 ± 16.27 months. All patients are alive and disease free. The two patients who benefitted from a hemiarthroplasty demonstrated a rapid deterioration of the proximal humeral articular surface. Given their pain and function scores, they subsequently required revision towards a total shoulder arthroplasty. Following this conversion, one patient presented a shoulder dislocation requiring surgical reintervention. We did not observe any loosening or infection in this short series.

CONCLUSIONS

Custom made glenoid reconstruction should be designed as a reverse shoulder arthroplasty given the mechanical constrains on the proximal humerus and the extent of the surgery invariably damaging the suprascapular neurovascular bundle.