Decreasing glenoid inclination improves function in shoulders with simulated massive rotator cuff tears

Background A massive rotator cuff tear leads to poor shoulder function as evidenced by diminished glenohumeral abduction and superior translation of the humeral head compared to its normal position. The inclination angle of the glenoid has been associated with rotator cuff tears. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of a decreased glenoid inclination angle on glenohumeral kinematics during active abduction in shoulders with a simulated, massive rotator cuff tear. Methods Eight fresh-frozen full upper extremities were tested using a dynamic shoulder testing apparatus. After recording the kinematics of the intact shoulder, a massive rotator cuff tear was surgically simulated. An osteotomy of the glenoid was then performed and the inclination angle was decreased by 30°. The translation of the humeral head during abduction and the maximum abduction angle were recorded. Findings With an intact rotator cuff minimal humeral head translation on the glenoid occurred and the maximum abduction angle was mean 85.5° (SD 7.4°). A massive rotator cuff tear resulted in superior translation of the humeral head with impingement on the acromion. The maximum abduction angle was mean 15.5° (SD 9.4°). Decreasing the inclination angle of the glenoid resulted in a significant reduction of superior humeral head translation during abduction and there was no impingement on the acromion. The maximum abduction achieved was mean 28.5° (SD 17.0°). Interpretation From a clinical perspective the reduced superior translation may decrease shoulder pain since the humeral head no longer impinges on the acromion. Further investigations are necessary to assess if the improvement in abduction is clinically significant.