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Walch classification of glenoid morphology in primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (illustration)

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis not applicable
  • type A: centered humeral head, concentric wear, no subluxation of the humeral head
    • A1: minor central erosion
    • A2: major central erosion, humeral head protruding into the glenoid cavity
  • type B: humeral head subluxated posteriorly, biconcave glenoid with asymmetric wear 
    • B1: narrowing of the posterior joint space, subchondral sclerosis, osteophytes
    • B2: biconcave aspect of the glenoid with posterior rim erosion and retroverted glenoid
    • B3: monoconcave and posterior wear with >15° retroversion or >70% posterior humeral head subluxation, or both
  • type C
    • C1: dysplastic glenoid with >25° retroversion regardless of the erosion
    • C2: biconcave, posterior bone loss, posterior translation of the humeral head
  • type D
    • glenoid anteversion or anterior humeral head subluxation <40°

Case Discussion

Modified from: Bercik M, Kruse K, Yalizis M, Gauci M, Chaoui J, Walch G. A Modification to the Walch Classification of the Glenoid in Primary Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Using Three-Dimensional Imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016;25(10):1601-6. 

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