Survivorship of Allologous Structural Bone Graft at a Minimum of 2 Years When Used to Address Significant Glenoid Bone Loss in Revision Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Computed Tomographic and Clinical Review

BACKGROUND: This study assesses outcomes in revision shoulder replacements where the glenoid bone loss was managed using a structural allograft (donated femoral head) in combination with a trabecular titanium (TT) implant. METHODS: We contacted patients who had undergone revision shoulder arthroplasty using the Lima Axioma TT metal-backed glenoid with an allologous bone graft as a composite who were over 2 years since surgery. Patients underwent computerd tomography evaluation, clinical review, and scoring preoperatively, at 6 months and the latest follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included with a mean age of 59 (33-76). The average follow-up period was 40.5 months (24-51). 80% showed satisfactory bone graft incorporation and peg integration at the latest follow-up. Three had signs of significant bone graft resorption, although in 2 patients the pegs were still soundly fixed in the host bone. Clinically all patients showed a statistically significant improvement in pain relief, movement, and function. No unusual complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Results show femoral head structural allograft in combination with TT metal-backed glenoid baseplate is a viable option for revision total shoulder replacement in the context of massive glenoid bone loss. We do, however, acknowledge that this resorption rate is higher than in other reported series where autograft is used.