Custom glenoid implants provide superior pain relief and functional scores in revision shoulder arthroplastyCustom Glenoid Implants Improve Pain and Function in Shoulder Surgery

Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Published September 3, 2026 Study authors: Shenouda Mina, Padley James H, Eravsar Necati B, Glenn Eve R, Zhu Alexander R, Edafetanure-Ibeh Russ… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

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Key Takeaway

Consider custom glenoid implants for superior pain relief and functional scores in revision shoulder arthroplasty.

This meta-analysis of 40 studies evaluated functional outcomes and pain relief in patients with failed shoulder arthroplasty and severe glenoid bone loss. The analysis compared custom glenoid implants against bone grafting with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The study reported a mean difference of 42.4 for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and 35.8 for Constant scores, with both results favoring custom glenoid implants (P <.001). Additionally, custom glenoid implants provided the best pain relief with a mean difference of 5.79 (P <.001).

In contrast, bone grafting with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty showed superior improvements in range of motion. Specifically, these patients achieved mean differences of 21.0 degrees for external rotation and 67.4 degrees for forward flexion (P <.001).

The authors noted that the follow-up for custom glenoid implants was limited to a short term. Consequently, the long-term survival of custom glenoid implants is not yet established. These findings suggest that while custom implants may optimize pain and functional scores, the long-term durability of these components remains uncertain.

This review looked at 656 patients who had failed shoulder replacements and significant bone loss in the glenoid area. Researchers compared two different surgical approaches: using custom glenoid implants versus bone grafting with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The study aimed to see which method better improved daily function and reduced pain.

The results showed that custom glenoid implants led to the greatest improvements in overall functional scores and provided the best relief from pain. In contrast, patients who received bone grafting with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty showed better improvements in specific movements, such as forward flexion and external rotation.

While the findings are promising for patients with complex shoulder issues, the study has limitations. Specifically, the follow-up period for the custom implants was relatively short. Because of this, the long-term durability of these custom implants is not yet established. Patients should discuss these options with their surgeon to determine the best approach for their specific needs.

What this means for you:

Custom glenoid implants showed better pain relief and function, while bone grafting improved specific range of motion.

Common questions

What are the benefits of custom glenoid implants?

Patients who received custom glenoid implants showed the greatest improvements in functional scores and the best relief from pain compared to other methods. These improvements were measured using American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and Constant scores.

How does bone grafting compare to custom implants?

While custom implants were better for pain and general function, bone grafting with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty showed better results for specific movements. These included improvements in forward flexion and external rotation.

Is the long-term success of custom implants known?

The long-term survival of custom glenoid implants is not yet established. The study noted that the follow-up period for these specific implants was short, so more time is needed to see how they perform over many years.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

Sample sizen = 656

EvidenceLevel 1

Follow-up812.4 mo

PublishedSep 2026

PMID41833789

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Failed shoulder arthroplasty often presents with glenoid bone loss, posing a challenge for both surgeons and patients. This study aimed to evaluate the available revision strategies for failed shoulder arthroplasty in the presence of severe glenoid bone loss. Severe bone loss was defined as a glenoid that is not capable of reconstruction using a standard reverse total shoulder glenoid or augmented baseplate. METHODS: Following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically searched for (Revision) AND (Glenoid bone loss) AND (Arthroplasty), AND (Shoulder) by 2 authors independently. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan software. RESULTS: Initially, 249 references were retrieved. After duplicate removal and abstract and title screening, 40 full-text studies comprising of 656 patients met eligibility criteria. The mean patient age was 67.7 years (range, 62.4-71.2), with a mean follow-up of 33 months (range, 16-50). Regarding functional outcomes, custom glenoid implants demonstrated the greatest improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores, with mean differences (MDs) of 42.4 and 35.8, respectively (P < .001 for both). Custom implants also provided the best pain relief (MD: 5.79, P < .001). For range of motion, bone grafting with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provided the best improvements in external rotation (MD: 21.0°) and forward flexion (MD: 67.4°) (P < .001 for both). CONCLUSION: Custom glenoid implants provided the best functional outcomes and pain relief in revision shoulder arthroplasty with glenoid bone loss. The findings of this study would suggest that given in the short term of superior performance in improving pain, with higher American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant scores, custom glenoid components warrant further long-term study of these issues and long-term survival of the implants.

Custom glenoid implants provide superior pain relief and functional scores in revision shoulder arthroplastyCustom Glenoid Implants Improve Pain and Function in Shoulder Surgery

Common questions

Study Details

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shows a 0.79 healing rate in nonunion fractures across observational studies

Trial results show mixed success for ultrasound on nonunion fractures

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Custom glenoid implants provide superior pain relief and functional scores in revision shoulder arthroplastyCustom Glenoid Implants Improve Pain and Function in Shoulder Surgery

Common questions

Study Details

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound shows a 0.79 healing rate in nonunion fractures across observational studies

Trial results show mixed success for ultrasound on nonunion fractures

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

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