Biomechanical analysis of five fixation techniques used in glenohumeral arthrodesis

Background: The purpose of the present study is to compare five fixation techniques in shoulder fusion. The most common complications resulting from shoulder fusion, non‐union and unacceptable arm position, might reflect a failure to achieve rigid fixation during the surgical procedure. Methods: Twenty‐five shoulder fusions were carried out on human cadaveric specimens using the following techniques: screw fixation, external fixation, external fixation supplemented with screw fixation, single plate fixation and double plate fixation. Each specimen was tested on a servohydraulic machine to determine stiffness. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in bending and torsional stiffness between all five fixation techniques. Normalized bending (B) and torsional stiffness (T), in descending order, were: double plate (B = 1.00, T = 1.00), single plate (B = 0.77, T = 0.89), external fixation with screws (B = 0.68, T = 0.74), external fixation alone (B = 0.40, T = 0.53), and screws alone (B = 0.13, T = 0.26). Conclusion: The risk of the most common complications resulting from shoulder fusion might be minimized if these biomechanical findings are applied to surgical decision making.