Abstract
With respect to glenoid neck malunion and rotator cuff injury, conservative treatment is often considered best for extra-articular glenoid neck fractures. More recent studies reveal that outcomes are not uniformly good, but the cause of poor outcomes has not been investigated. We reviewed nine patients who had sustained a glenoid neck fracture of the scapula within the last 10 years and who had been treated conservatively with immobilisation and then early active motion.
Their functional and anatomical outcomes were analysed by clinical examination and validated scoring systems, including the Oxford questionnaire and Constant shoulder score. Plain radiographs and MRI studies were correlated with outcome.
None of the nine patients was free of pain and some had poor Oxford and Constant scores. Pain was associated with glenoid malunion and evidence of subacromial bursitis and/or rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.
