Intrinsic stability of unused and retrieved polyethylene glenoid components

The surface geometry of polyethylene components can be altered by in vivo use. The purpose of this investigation is to document the effects of these changes on the intrinsic stability provided by the glenoid component. We validated a method of measuring the intrinsic stability of glenoid components as indicated by the balance stability angle (the maximal angle between the glenoid centerline and the resultant humeral force before dislocation of the humeral head occurs). We compared observed values with those predicted for unused glenoid components for which the geometry was known. We then applied this method to retrieved glenoid components in which the surface geometry had been altered by in vivo use. The balance stability angles measured in retrieved glenoids were often substantially reduced: 11 of 24 glenoids had diminished balance stability angles of at least 30% in at least one direction. We concluded that the surface geometry of polyethylene glenoid components can be altered by in vivo use in a manner that may compromise their contribution to glenohumeral stability. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001;10:474-81.)