High correlation between inner and outer glenoid circle diameters and its clinical relevance

Management of bone loss in anterior shoulder instability

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Objective calculation of glenoid bone loss in anterior shoulder instability based on the contour of the posteroinferior quadrant using the best-fit circle method: an accurate and reproducible evaluation

BACKGROUND

Glenoid bone loss is proposed to be an important risk factor for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of the present study was to develop an accurate and reproducible method for quantifying a bone loss in patients with anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A total of 66 sets of computed tomography images of the glenoid were acquired and en face view was established. Based on the contour of the inferior half and posteroinferior quadrant of the glenoid, the best-fit circle was drawn using the least-squares method with a comparison of the radii. A bone loss was created via a simulated osteotomy, and a method for estimating the bone loss based on the contour of the posteroinferior quadrant was developed.

RESULTS

The radii of the best-fit circle were 29.30 ± 1.84 mm and 33.76 ± 2.04 mm, based on the inferior half and posteroinferior quadrant of the glenoid, respectively (P < .01). Bone loss quantification using the contour of the inferior half or posteroinferior quadrant with simulated osteotomy showed a significant difference (P < .01). For a 25% of glenoid bone loss, the estimated value using the traditional method on the contour of the posteroinferior quadrant was 34%. A new method for accurate bone loss quantification was developed based on the contour of the posteroinferior quadrant of the glenoid.

CONCLUSION

Estimation of the glenoid bone loss based on the rim of the posteroinferior quadrant may overestimate the glenoid bone loss due to the difference in the radius of the curvature of the inferior half and posteroinferior quadrant. A mathematical method developed to correct this error and may aid in more accurately, measuring the glenoid bone loss using the contour of the posteroinferior quadrant in patients with anterior shoulder instability.

The arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss shows similar clinical results after Latarjet procedure and iliac crest autograft transfer

PURPOSE

Recurrent anterior shoulder instability caused by critical bone loss of the glenoid is a challenging condition for shoulder surgeons. The purpose of this prospective multicenter trial was to compare the arthroscopic transfer of the coracoid process (Latarjet procedure) with the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid using iliac crest autografts.

METHODS

A prospective multi-center trial was performed in nine orthopaedic centres in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between July 2015 and August 2021. Patients were prospectively enrolled and received either an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure or an arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer. Standardized follow-up after 6 months and mimimum 24 months included range of motion, Western Ontario stability index (WOSI), Rowe score and subjective shoulder value (SSV). All complications were recorded.

RESULTS

177 patients (group Latarjet procedure: n = 110, group iliac crest graft: n = 67) were included in the study. WOSI (n.s.), SSV (n.s.) and Rowe score (n.s.) showed no difference at final follow-up. 10 complications were seen in group Latarjet procedure and 5 in group iliac crest graft; the frequency of complications did not differ between the two groups (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

The arthrosopic Latarjet procedure and arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer lead to comparable results regarding clinical scores, frequency of recurrent dislocations and complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Early Treatment of Shoulder Pathology Is Necessary but Not Enough Is Being Performed

Delayed treatment of shoulder instability results in bone loss requiring more-complicated surgery, in turn resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Similarly, delayed treatment of repairable rotator cuff tears results in irreparable tears requiring more-complicated surgery and resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Delayed treatment of shoulder pathology is a problem. Solutions include education and research investigation.