Open reduction and internal fixation of Ideberg IV and V glenoid intra-articular fractures through a Judet approach: a retrospective analysis of 11 cases

To evaluate the methods and the outcomes of complex intra-articular glenoid fractures, treated by open reduction and internal fixations.

The outcomes of 11 cases of complex intra-articular glenoid scapular fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The fractures were classified as type IV in five cases, type Va in two and Vb in four cases, according to Ideberg classification system. The mean step or gap between the main articular fragments was 6.3 ± 6.2 (4–25) mm. The fractures were openly reduced through a Judet approach and fixed with reconstructive plates or bands placed on the lateral and medial side of affected scapula, respectively. The main articular fragments were strengthened with a 4.0-mm cannulated screw in five cases. The bone union, the anterior flexion, the external and internal rotation of the shoulders were checked and recorded. The functional outcomes were evaluated using DASH questionnaire, Constant and UCLA shoulder score systems, respectively.

11 patients were followed up with an average of 28.2 ± 12.6 (12–50) months. All the fractures were united smoothly without second intervention. At the latest visiting, the mean anterior flexion of affected shoulder was 157.3 ± 7.37° (range 150°–170°), the mean external rotation of the affected shoulder was 58.2 ± 7.5° (range 50°–70°). When the shoulder in the internal rotation, the extended thumb reached to L4 or L1 or T10 or T7 in one case, to T12 in two cases and to T8 in four cases, respectively, the mean Constant score was 91.7 ± 2.8 (86–96) points. The mean UCLA score was 32.7 ± 1.7 (30–35) points, leading to four cases of excellent and seven cases of good results. The mean DASH score was 7.4 ± 3.3 (3.4–13) points.

Good outcomes could be obtained when Ideberg IV and V glenoid fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation through a Judet approach.