Background: Different techniques have been described for glenoid fractures, there is still a need for safe and effective agents to promote outcomes. To evaluate the clinical effect of the Double-pulley, V-shaped fixation technique under arthroscopy in the treatment of Ideberg Type IA glenoid fractures.
Methods: From January 2016 to April 2021, the clinical data of 17 patients with pulley type IA fractures treated by the V-shaped fixation technique under shoulder arthroscopy were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative X-ray, CT, and MRI examinations were completed, and the average defect area of glenoid fracture was 25%. The functional score of the shoulder joint, such as the visual analog scale (VAS), Constant score, and Modified Rowe score, was used to evaluate the preoperative and final follow-up clinical outcomes. The active shoulder range of motion (ROM) was also collected preoperatively and at the final postoperative follow-up (forward flexion and abduction). Accordingly, intraoperative and postoperative complications were also observed.
Results: The mean follow-up was 49.52 months (16-79 months). The patients’ follow-up exams showed that shoulder joint flexion, abduction, external rotation, internal rotation, and pain were not significantly different from those of the contralateral side (p > 0.05). The mean Constant score was 83.52 (58-98), and the average Modified Rowe score was 94.29 (70-100). X-ray and CT films of all cases showed good healing without articular depression or steps. Three patients had traumatic arthritis, with VAS<3 pain. No postoperative complications, such as infections, nerve or vessel damage, or suture anchor problems occurred during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:Using the Double-pull, V-shaped fixation technique can stabilize the reduction of glenoid fractures while reducing the possibility of bone destruction. It is a good solution and provides an opportunity to treat rotator cuff tears associated with the procedure. However, there is an extended learning curve for shoulder arthroscopy.