Evaluation of the mechanical and architectural properties of glenoid bone

Successful glenoid fixation in shoulder arthroplasty is partly dependent on the properties of the underlying bone. Therefore, mapping of the glenoid surface and locating the bone with the highest quality, in terms of mechanical properties and morphology, is a key requirement in ensuring effective fixation. To this end, an investigation was undertaken to study the relationship between indentation behavior and the quality of the glenoid bone. Nineteen embalmed glenoids were obtained from human cadavers (mean age at death, 82 years). Each specimen was tested using a cylindrical indentor at 11 predetermined points to investigate load-displacement behavior. Microcomputed tomography analysis was performed to ascertain the bone volume (BV)/total volume (TV) fraction of the trabecular bone and the subchondral thickness. Statistical analysis showed that both strength and modulus varied with indentation position. Significant relationships were found between either strength or modulus and BV/TV or subchondral thickness, although the explained variance was relatively low.