Glenoid Component Migration in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Glenoid component migration is a serious complication in total shoulder arthroplasty, causing 32% of failures and 7% of revisions. Detecting polyethylene loosening is challenging due to its radiolucency. We report a case of a 72-year-old woman with shoulder pain three years post-arthroplasty. Initia...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Thomas Saliba, Sanjiva Pather
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of the Belgian Society of Radiology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://account.jbsr.be/index.php/up-j-jbsr/article/view/3862
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Summary:Glenoid component migration is a serious complication in total shoulder arthroplasty, causing 32% of failures and 7% of revisions. Detecting polyethylene loosening is challenging due to its radiolucency. We report a case of a 72-year-old woman with shoulder pain three years post-arthroplasty. Initial radiographs were unremarkable, but CT-arthrography revealed a displaced polyethylene spacer, rotated 90°, thus causing a mechanical block. Retrospective analysis of the X-rays showed the absence of the spacer in the expected position. Surgery restored functionality. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of radiotransparent components with possible migration in unexplained post-arthroplasty shoulder pain. Teaching point: Verify glenoid component positioning in shoulder arthroplasties.
ISSN:2514-8281