Mechanical characteristics of a novel posterior-step prosthesis for biconcave glenoid defects

Background Posterior glenoid defects increase the risk of glenoid component loosening after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The goal of this work was to evaluate the mechanical performance of a novel posterior-step glenoid prosthesis, designed to compensate for biconcave (type B2) glenoid defects. Two prototypes (“Poly-step” and “Ti-step”) were constructed by attaching polyethylene or titanium step-blocks onto standard (STD) glenoid prostheses. We hypothesized that the mechanical performance of the experimental prostheses in the presence of a B2 defect would be similar to that of an STD prosthesis in the absence of a defect. Methods Fifteen normal shoulder specimens were consistently loaded under simulated muscle activity while peri-glenoid bone strains were measured. In 5 specimens, arthroplasty was performed with an STD glenoid prosthesis. In the remaining 10 specimens, a 20° B2 glenoid defect was created before arthroplasty was performed with the Poly-step or Ti-step prosthesis. Results Load-induced peri-glenoid strains after TSA with either the STD or Poly-step prosthesis did not show statistical differences as compared with the native joints ( P > .05). A posterior defect decreased superior glenoid strain as compared with the intact specimens ( P < .05). The change in strains after Poly-step prosthesis implantation in the presence of a biconcave glenoid defect was not different than the change induced by STD prosthesis implantation in the absence of a defect. In contrast, strains after Ti-step prosthesis implantation were statistically different from those induced by the STD and Poly-step prostheses ( P < .05). Conclusions The Poly-step prosthesis may be a viable option for treating posterior glenoid defects.