Treatment of chronic anterior locked glenohumeral dislocation with hemiarthroplasty

Restoring good shoulder function in an active patient with a chronic anterior locked dislocation of the glenohumeral joint can be challenging. This case report describes a 58-year-old active patient who presented with a very late missed locked anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. He had coexisting large bony defects in the anterior glenoid and humeral head with resultant loss of motion and pain secondary to glenohumeral arthrosis. He underwent a humeral hemiarthroplasty, glenoid structural bone grafting, glenoid biological resurfacing and reinforcement of anterior capsule with the graft jacket to achieve a pain-free, stable, mobile joint with good range of movements and function. The clinical decision-making process and the surgical technique used in the management of this difficult condition are discussed.