Management of Glenoid Defects in Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Review of Current Concepts

BACKGROUND: Bone defects of the glenoid are often found in patients with traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability. There is no consensus regarding which glenoid defects need to be treated surgically. The aim of this review is to describe the management of glenoid defects in anterior shoulder instability in patients with traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability. METHODS: We conducted a review of the literature through a Pubmed search. RESULTS: The management of glenoid defects in anterior shoulder instability consists of conservative or operative treatment. There is a wide variety in the treatment options. Also, the diagnostics of the presence and size of a glenoid bone defect is still debated on in literature. CONCLUSION: Based on the current available literature, we advise to begin management of traumatic anterior shoulder instability combined with glenoid defects with conservative treatment. Operative treatment can be used when the bone fragment consists of a large glenoid surface and the patient is active, or in the case of a chronic defect or recurrent instability.