Bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft for the treatment of glenohumeral post-traumatic arthritis

Purpose: Surgical management of end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis represents a challenge in young patients. Bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft (BFOA) represents a fascinating option to prosthetic substitution. Aim of this report is to describe an original technique for BFOA implantation in the shoulder and to describe the clinical and histological results at 30-month follow-up. Methods: A 47-year-old man received BFOA of the shoulder. Clinical and radiographical evaluations were carried out periodically up to 30 months. Results: The clinical score increased from 40 to 78 points (Constant Score), decreased from 64 points to 10 (DASH Disability/Symptom Score) and from 94 points to 0 (DASH Work module Score). Radiographically arthritis and partial reabsorption of the implanted surfaces were evident. Conclusions: The clinical result obtained in this patient seems to support the applicability of BFOA in the shoulder with severe post-traumatic arthritis and with intact rotator cuff. Although unrelated to the clinical result, the occurrence of arthritis of the implanted surfaces is cause of concern. Level of evidence: Case report, Level V.