Glenohumeral instability associated with Buford complex

Abstract

Buford complex is described as a normal anatomical variant of the anterosuperior part of the glenoid consisting of the absence of the anterosuperior labrum with the presence of a cord-like middle glenohumeral ligament. Traditionally, reattachment to the glenoid has been discouraged. We present a case of a Buford complex associated with glenohumeral instability. The patient was operated for recurrent instability without a preoperative diagnosis of Buford complex. The diagnosis was made during shoulder arthroscopy and reattachment to the glenoid was performed with a satisfactory outcome. Here, we discuss the relationship of the Buford complex with intraarticular pathology and the surgical treatment in cases when this variant is associated with instability.