Rehabilitation of a Glenoid Excision of the Shoulder: A Case Report

Background: A 2-year-old female spayed poodle, 20.9 kg, presented with a comminuted articular fracture of the left scapula glenoid process ([Fig. 1]). A left scapular glenoid excision was performed. The free fragments, which included the cranial 1/3 to 1/2 of the glenoid cavity as well as the origin of the biceps brachii, were excised. An oscillating saw was used to transect the scapular neck (preserving the suprascapular nerve) and permit excision of the remaining portion of the glenoid ([Fig. 2]). The subscapularis was sutured to the acromial and spinous heads of the deltoid. While this procedure has been reported previously, no rehabilitation regimens have been reported.

Fig. 1 Comminuted articular fracture of the left scapula glenoid process.

Fig. 2 Resection of the scapular neck and excision of the glenoid.

Materials and Methods: Similar to a femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO), the goal of this surgical technique is to remove the joint surfaces of the shoulder, resulting in a pseudoarthrosis of the resected joint to gain stability and eliminate bone-to-bone contact. PROM and stretching for shoulder flexion and extension were performed at each visit along with therapeutic exercises to promote limb use and weight bearing ([Figs. 3] and [4]). The laser was applied to the excision site at a dosage of 6.0 J/cm² (total dose: 4,200 J).

Results: Clinical findings following excision of the glenoid are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Clinical measurements over time following resection of the glenoid

POD	Left/right shoulder flexion	Left/right shoulder extension	Humeral circumference left/right	Gait scale (left forelimb)
29	61°/52°	145°/156°	23 cm/27 cm	4
34	60°/51°	168°/155°	23.5 cm/27.5 cm	4
57	61/51°	167°/161°	23.5 cm/27.5 cm	3
68	62°/50°	164°/160°	24.0 cm/27 cm	2

Abbreviation: POD, postoperative day number.

Note: Humeral circumference measured at 8.0 cm distal to the acromian process. Gait scale (0 = normal, 5 = non weight-bearing lameness).

Fig. 3 Standing on an unstable surface to encourage weight-bearing.

Fig. 4 Aquatic exercise to encourage limb use.

Conclusion: Outcome assessments gathered throughout the rehabilitation period showed improved ROM, muscle girth, and weight-bearing. Similar to the rehabilitation of an FHO, the program emphasized regaining shoulder ROM, improving limb use and gait, and increasing muscle mass.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 September 2025