Clinical Effect of the Axillary Approach to Glenoid Fractures

Clinical Effect of the Axillary Approach to Acute Anterior Glenoid Fractures

Glenoid fractures result in glenohumeral post-trauma arthritis and instability. Operative treatment is indicated for severe fractures. The traditional deltopectoral approach, which requires detachment of the subscapularis, has many drawbacks, including loss of external rotation and suboptimal fixation. Arthroscopic techniques also cannot allow anatomic reduction and biomechanical stability for large fractures. We describe an alternative approach that enters from the axilla through the interval between the rotator cuff and the inferior glenoid, neck and lateral border of the scapula without detachment of the rotator cuff.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Traumatic and closed fractures
• Fracture type conforms to Ideberg Ia classification or AO/OTA F1.1 classification
• Fracture displacement ≥4mm, the area of involvement ≥20%.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe multiple trauma
• Pathological fracture
• Unable to tolerate surgical treatment
• The interval between injury and operation was > 2 weeks