Which statement about glenoid bone stock in shoulder arthroplasty is true?

• A. Poor bone stock improves fixation.
• B. Adequate glenoid bone stock is required for proper fixation.
• C. Bone stock cannot be assessed preoperatively.
• D. Bone stock is irrelevant.

Answer: (D)

In shoulder arthroplasty, the glenoid component relies on the surrounding bone for secure fixation. When glenoid bone stock is adequate, the implant can seat well and achieve stable fixation, allowing even load transfer and minimizing micromotion that leads to loosening over time. If bone stock is deficient, fixation becomes unreliable, increasing the risk of early loosening, wear, or failure; surgeons may need to use techniques like bone grafting or augmentation, or choose a different prosthesis strategy to compensate. Preoperative imaging, such as CT scans, helps quantify bone stock and plan the appropriate approach. That’s why the statement about adequate bone stock being required for proper fixation is the true, most accurate reflection. Statements claiming that poor bone stock improves fixation, that bone stock cannot be assessed preoperatively, or that bone stock is irrelevant don't fit with how glenoid fixation works and how planning is done.