Glenoid dysplasia

Glenoid dysplasia is a developmental anomaly of the glenohumeral joint. While it may be suggested on an AP radiograph

Its presence can be confirmed by a properly done axillary view. In the axillary view below, one can see the steep posterior inclination of the glenoid face with respect to the body of the scapula. The result is a lack of bony support for the humeral head, especially when the arm is out in front of the body and especially with pushing activities, such as the bench press or the push up.

An MRI scan of this same shoulder shows that the posterior aspect of the glenoid socket is comprised of soft tissue, which must serve the stabilizing function of the underdeveloped bone.

This patient had only mild shoulder discomfort and no symptoms of instability.  We advised him to avoid pushing activities, to maintain range of motion (especially external rotation), to work on the traction three, to work on the strength and endurance of external rotation

 and to resist offers of posterior labral debridement (which may put his shoulder at greater risk for posterior translation). 

Neither posterior glenoid osteoplasty nor posterior bone block reconstruction of the posterior glenoid lip have proven effective in the management of this condition. 

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