Arthroscopy-assisted reduction and anchor fixation for the treatment of Ideberg type Ia glenoid fracture of the shoulder

Anterior inferior glenoid rim fractures classified as Ideberg type Ia often combine shoulder dislocation, persistent instability and pain, impairing daily shoulder function. Traditional open surgery carries high risks of nerve injury and joint stiffness, while existing arthroscopic fixation methods have limitations for comminuted bone fragments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reduction and single anchor fixation placed at the two o’clock glenoid position for Ideberg type Ia glenoid fractures, and compare recovery outcomes between patients with isolated fracture repair and those receiving one-stage combined rotator cuff repair. This single-center retrospective observational study enrolled 13 eligible patients treated with the above arthroscopic technique from 2019 to 2021. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans were used to assess fracture reduction and bone healing. All patients completed standardized follow-up with measurements of shoulder active motion, abduction muscle strength and three shoulder functional scoring systems. Patients were divided into two subgroups based on concurrent rotator cuff tears. Paired t-tests analyzed pre- and post-operative indicators, independent samples t-tests compared subgroup outcomes, and intraclass correlation coefficients evaluated measurement reliability. Patients were followed up for (27.77 ± 4.75) months. Postoperative fracture displacement was significantly reduced, and all fractures achieved full healing within six months without major complications. Final follow-up shoulder motion and abduction strength were comparable to the uninjured contralateral shoulder, with all functional scores showing dramatic, statistically significant improvements. Inter-observer reliability of functional assessments was excellent. Subgroup comparison found no meaningful differences in shoulder motion, muscle strength or functional scores between patients with and without simultaneous rotator cuff repair. Arthroscopic two-o’clock single anchor fixation is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for Ideberg type Ia glenoid fractures, especially suitable for comminuted fractures. This technique reduces implant consumption, shortens operation time and lowers surgical costs. Concurrent rotator cuff injuries can be repaired in a single arthroscopic session without sacrificing shoulder strength or functional recovery, supporting wide clinical application of this combined minimally invasive strategy.