The treatment of symptomatic cartilage lesions in the glenohumeral joint presents a significant challenge due to poor healing characteristics. Diagnosis of glenohumeral chondral defects is not always clear, and while current imaging modalities are good, many lesions require arthroscopy to fully appreciate. Arthroplasty remains an effective treatment in low-demand patients; however, younger, higher demand individuals may be treated with less invasive reparative measures. This paper discusses the diagnosis of glenohumeral chondral pathology and presents the technique, rehabilitation, and available outcomes following microfracture in the shoulder.
Keywords: cartilage; glenohumeral; injury; microfracture.