Arthroscopic reduction internal fixation for glenoid fractures: a systematic review of the outcomes and complications

With the advanced arthroscopic technique, arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) is gaining popularity for Glenoid fractures with and without scapular involvement. ARIF offers a complete view of the articular surfaces and diagnoses and treats other associated injuries. ARIF provides less soft tissue trauma than open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The aim of this systemic review is to look at the functional outcomes and complications of ARIF. A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was performed. The search terms included "glenoid fracture" OR "scapula fracture" AND "arthroscopic fixation" OR "arthroscopy" OR "arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation". Studies were limited to English publications with reported functional outcome measures and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, clinical outcomes including range of motion, outcome performance scores including ROWE score, visual analogue scale and American shoulder and elbow surgeons score and complications were extracted. Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The participants ranged in age from 41 to 48, and the mean length of follow-up ranged from 12 to 41 months postoperatively. The mean ROWE scores for the ARIF group were significantly better postoperatively. ARIF allows accurate diagnosis of the fracture pattern and associated injuries, in addition to representing a safe option to treat glenoid fractures with or without scapular fractures with fewer complications compared to ORIF. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Systematic review.