Ten displaced intra-articular fractures of the glenoid fossa were
treated with open reduction and internal fixation between 1980 and 1987.
Nine patients were available for evaluation at an average of four years
(range, two to ten years) after the operation. Eight patients had mild or
no symptoms and little or no restriction of the motion of the shoulder.
There were no infections or malunions. The only complication was
heterotopic ossification in one patient. Radiographic evaluation showed no
evidence of traumatic osteoarthrosis in any patient. Open reduction and
internal fixation is a useful and safe technique for the treatment of
selected, displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa, and it can restore
excellent function of the shoulder.