Special Considerations: Articular Involvement (Glenoid Fossa and Rim)

The appropriate management of glenoid fractures is debatable and still is a common and ongoing topic of discussion within orthopaedic trauma and shoulder surgeons (Seidl AJ, Joyce CD, J Am Acad Orthop Surg 28:e978–e987, 2020). Glenoid fractures are associated with a direct lateral and high-energy injury mechanism to the shoulder or to a low-energy injury mechanism associated with glenohumeral (GH) instability event. Glenoid fractures are challenging and may result in long-term repercussions such as shoulder stiffness and pain, affecting patients’ overall functionality and future quality of life (Seidl AJ, Joyce CD, J Am Acad Orthop Surg 28:e978–e987, 2020; Frich LH, Larsen MS, EFORT Open Rev 2: 151–157, 2017). The most common complications of glenoid fractures are chronic GH instability resulting in recurrent shoulder dislocations, stiffness, and development of premature post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA), malunion, and persistent pain (Frich LH, Larsen MS, EFORT Open Rev 2: 151–157, 2017). The aim of this book chapter is to review the current concepts and management strategies of glenoid fossa and rim fractures.