Is there a difference in outcome of arthroscopic iliac crest autograft and allograft in recurrent anterior shoulder instability?

Arthroscopic Latarjet Versus Arthroscopic Free Bone Block Procedures for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Proportional Meta-analysis Comparing Recurrence, Complication, and Reoperation Rates

BACKGROUND

Several arthroscopic glenoid bone augmentation techniques have been introduced to treat patients affected by anterior shoulder instability associated with critical bone loss. The efficacy of the different arthroscopic bony procedures has not been compared yet.

PURPOSE

To compare the recurrence, complication, and reoperation rates of the arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) and arthroscopic free bone block (ABB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify clinical studies reporting the outcomes of the AL and ABB procedures. The following search phrases were used: "Arthroscopic" AND "Bone Block" OR "Bone Graft," and "Arthroscopic" AND "Glenoid Augmentation" OR "Glenoid Reconstruction," and "Arthroscopic" AND "Latarjet" OR "Coracoid Graft" OR "Coracoid Transfer." Exclusion criteria were <24 months of minimum follow-up, sample size <10 cases, revision after previous glenoid bone grafting, epilepsy, and multidirectional instability. Data regarding the study design, patient characteristics, surgical technique, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted to compare the complication, recurrence, and reoperation rates between the 2 groups. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed to analyze the incidence of each complication and assess the weight of different fixation methods (in the whole cohort) or different graft types (in the ABB group). The modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the risk of bias.

RESULTS

Of 5010 potentially relevant studies, 18 studies regarding the AL procedure (908 cases) and 15 studies regarding the ABB procedure (469 cases) were included. The 2 groups were comparable in age (P = .07), sex (P = .14), glenoid bone loss (P = .14), number of preoperative dislocations (P = .62), proportion of primary and revision procedures (P = .95), length of follow-up (P = .81), modified Coleman Methodology Score (P = .21), and level of evidence (P = .49). There was no difference in the recurrence (P = .88), reoperation (P = .79), and complication (P = .08) rates. The subgroup analyses showed a higher rate of hardware-related complications for screw fixation compared with flexible fixation (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

The AL and ABB procedures had similar recurrence, reoperation, and complication rates. Screw fixation of the bone graft was related to an increased risk of complications compared with flexible fixation.

REGISTRATION

CRD42022368153 (PROSPERO).

Suture Button Fixation in Latarjet Has Similar Load to Failure and Clinical Outcomes but Lower Bone Resorption Compared With Screw Fixation: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To compare the 2 Latarjet fixation techniques-screw fixation (SF) versus suture button (SB) -for clinical, biomechanical, and radiologic outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses guidelines using MEDLINE and Embase databases and was prospectively registered on PROSPERO. Only comparative clinical and biomechanical studies of Latarjet with SF and SB were included. Studies were appraised using the Methodical Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met eligible criteria: 7 clinical studies (SB, n = 279; SF, n = 845) and 4 biomechanical. In total, 80.9% (SB) and 84.2% (SF) of patients were male. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 63.6 months. The overall recurrent instability rate for SB ranged from 0 to 8.3% and for SF ranged from 0 to 2.75%. Only one study demonstrated a greater recurrent instability rate with SB (P = .02). Overall SB complication rates ranged from 0 to 12.5% and SF ranged from 0 to 27%. Two studies reported greater complications and reoperations with SF related to hardware. Summary forest plots from 4 studies showed no significant difference in Walch Duplay score (mean difference, range -5.00 to 1.20 [95% confidence interval {CI} -12.13 to 8.56], I2 inconsistency = 0%), Rowe score (mean difference, range -2.00 to 4.00 [95% CI -7.37 to 7.66], I2 inconsistency = 45%), and VAS for pain (mean difference, range -0.10 to 0.60 [95% CI -0.72 to 1.33], I2 inconsistency = 0%). There was no statistically significant difference between SB and SF in the postoperative range of motion. Radiologically, there was no significant difference in graft positioning and union at final follow-up, but graft resorption was greater in SF (range 25.2%-47.6%) compared with SB (range 10.1%-18.5%). Biomechanical studies showed no significant difference in maximum load to failure (SB, range 184-266 N vs SF, range 148-288 N).

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically, SB fixation demonstrated similar functional outcome and range of motion when compared with SF, with the potential benefit of lower rates of graft resorption and hardware-related complications. Biomechanically there was no difference in maximum load to failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level III and biomechanical studies.

Clinical Outcomes and Graft Resorption After Metal-Free Bone Block Suture Tape Cerclage Fixation for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Computed Tomography Analysis

BACKGROUND

Glenoid reconstruction with a bone block for anterior glenoid bone loss (GBL) has shown excellent outcomes. However, fixation techniques that require metal implants are associated with metal-related complications and bone graft resorption.

HYPOTHESIS

Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using a tricortical iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation can safely and effectively restore the glenoid surface area in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and anterior GBL.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) of both sexes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and anterior GBL ≥15% were enrolled. These patients underwent arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction with ICBGs and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation. The effectiveness and clinical outcomes with this technique were evaluated at 24 months using functional scores. Resorption of the graft articular surface was assessed by computed tomography, with the graft surface divided into 6 square areas aligned in 2 columns. Descriptive analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 23 consecutive patients met inclusion criteria (22 male, 1 female; mean age, 30.5 ± 7.9 years). The mean preoperative GBL was 19.7% ± 3.4%, and there were 15 allograft and 8 autograft ICBGs. All patients exhibited graft union at 3 months. The median follow-up was 38.5 months (interquartile range, 24-45 months). The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Rowe, Constant-Murley, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores improved from preoperatively (35.1%, 24.8, 83.1, and 30.9, respectively) to postoperatively (84.7%, 91.1, 96.0, and 90.9, respectively) (P < .001). No differences in clinical scores were observed between the graft types. One surgical wound infection was reported, and 2 patients (8.7% [95% CI, 2.4%-26.8%]) required a reoperation. The mean overall glenoid surface area increased from 80.3% ± 3.5% to 117.0% ± 8.3% immediately after surgery before subsequently reducing to 98.7% ± 6.2% and 95.0% ± 5.7% at 12 and 24 months, respectively (P < .001). The mean graft resorption rate was 18.1% ± 7.9% in the inner column and 80.3% ± 22.4% in the outer column. Additionally, 3 patients treated with an allograft (20.0% [95% CI, 7.1%-45.2%]), including the 2 with clinical failures, exhibited complete graft resorption at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using an ICBG and metal-free suture tape cerclage fixation was safe and effective, yielding excellent clinical outcomes. Resorption of the graft articular surface predominantly affected the nonloaded areas beyond the best-fit circle perimeter.

Remodeling process and clinical outcomes following all-arthroscopic modified Eden-Hybinette procedure using iliac crest autograft and 1-tunnel double Endobutton fixation system

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopically modified Eden-Hybinette procedures for glenohumeral stabilization have been used for a long time. With the advancement of arthroscopic techniques and the development of sophisticated instruments, a double Endobutton fixation system has been used clinically to secure bone graft to the glenoid rim placed through a specifically designed guide. The purpose of this report was to evaluate clinical outcomes and serial glenoid remodeling process following all-arthroscopic anatomical glenoid reconstruction using autologous iliac crest bone grafting technique through 1-tunnel fixation.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with recurrent anterior dislocations and significant glenoid defects greater than 20% underwent arthroscopic surgery with a modified Eden-Hybinette technique. Instead of firm fixation, autologous iliac bone graft was fixed to the glenoid by double Endobutton fixation system through 1-tunnel placed in the glenoid surface. Follow-up examinations were performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The patients were followed up for a minimum of two years using the Rowe score, the Constant score, the Subjective Shoulder Value, and the Walch-Duplay score; patient satisfaction with the procedure outcome was also rated. Graft positions, healing, and absorption were evaluated postoperatively with computed tomography imaging.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 28 months, all patients were satisfied and had a stable shoulder. The Constant score improved from 82.9 to 88.9 points (P ＜ .001), the Rowe score, improved from 25.3 to 89.1 points (P < .001), the Subjective Shoulder Value improved from 31% to 87% (P < .001), and the Walch-Duplay score improved from 52.5 to 85.7 points (P ＜ .001). One donor-site fracture occurred during the follow-up period. All grafts were well-positioned and achieved optimal bone healing with zero excessive absorption. The preoperative glenoid surface (72.6% ± 4.5%) increased significantly immediately after surgery to 116.5% ± 9.6% (P ＜ .001). After a physiological remodeling process, the glenoid surface remained significantly increased at the last follow-up (99.2% ± 7.1%) (P ＜ .001). The glenoid surface area appeared to decrease serially when compared between the first 6 months and 12 months postoperatively, while there was no significant interval change between 12 and 24 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Patient outcomes were satisfactory following the all-arthroscopic modified Eden-Hybinette procedure using an autologous iliac crest grafting technique through one-tunnel fixation system with double Endobutton. Graft absorption mostly occurred on the edge and outside the ''best-fit'' circle of the glenoid. Glenoid remodeling occurred within the first year after all-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction with an auto iliac bone graft.

Biologic graft augmentation for glenoid bone loss in conversion of failed anatomic to reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review

Glenoid bone loss presents a challenging dilemma, particularly in the setting of failed arthroplasty requiring conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The aim of our systematic review was to examine the success and failure of biologic glenoid bone grafting to address vault deficiencies in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty conversion to rTSA. Twelve articles were included and a complete PUBMED search. Inclusion criteria included glenoid bone grafting for conversion of failed arthroplasty and a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Exclusion criteria included grafting for primary rTSA, and re-revision for infection or humeral loosening. Failures were defined as failure of the graft to radiographically incorporate, symptomatic base plate loosening, and need for further surgical re-revision. Two hundred patients were identified across the 12 articles. Eighteen percent (36/200) of all cases demonstrated failure to radiographically incorporate. Thirteen percent (25/200) of all grafting cases required re-revision due to symptomatic failure (pain or functional deterioration). Femoral shaft demonstrated the highest failure rate at 88% (7/8). Grafting for glenoid bone loss in the setting of conversion to rTSA has an 82% rate of success across autograft and allograft utilization. Further studies are needed to better define the success of autografting versus allografting in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty conversion to rTSA with glenoid bone loss.

Iliac Crest Allograft with Plate Osteosynthesis for a Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Anterior Cruciate Ligament Donor-Site Fracture: A Case Report

CASE

A 20-year-old man sustained a comminuted bone-patellar tendon-bone donor-site fracture 17 days after a contralateral anterior cruciate ligament revision reconstruction. Successful fixation was achieved by using a tricortical iliac crest allograft bone plug with mesh plate osteosynthesis. At 6 months of follow-up, the patient had full range of motion without pain.

CONCLUSION

Patellar fractures after bone-patellar tendon-bone harvest may be treated successfully with mesh plate osteosynthesis and a tricortical iliac crest allograft bone plug. This unique fixation option addresses bone loss and restores the extensor mechanism while avoiding autograft donor site morbidity.

High resorption rates following glenoid augmentation procedures do not seem to lead to higher recurrence rates or worse clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Bone augmentation techniques show a relatively high complication rate, which might be due to graft non-union and resorption. It is unclear which augmentation techniques demonstrate the highest amount of non-union and resorption and whether this leads to worse clinical or functional outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this review was (i) to compare non-union and resorption rates between surgical approaches, procedures, graft types, donor sites and fixation methods regarding clinical and functional outcomes and (ii) determine whether high non-union or resorption rates lead to less favorable clinical or functional outcomes.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements were followed. PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid) and Cochrane Library were searched on December 15th 2021 for studies examining bone graft non-union or resorption using radiograph or CT following glenoid augmentation to treat anterior shoulder dislocation.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 103 inclusions, comprising 5,128 glenoid augmentations. When comparing pooled proportions of bony union, graft fracture rate, hardware failure rate, recurrence rate, return to sports and Rowe score, most results were similar between approaches, procedures, graft types, donor sites and fixation methods. High resorption rates were seen for allograft augmentation (74.3; 95% CI: 39.8-92.7) compared to autograft augmentation (15.5; 95% CI 10.1-23.2), but this was not associated with higher recurrence rates or worse clinical outcomes. Meta-analyses (8 studies; 494 patients) demonstrated no difference in incomplete and complete non-union rates between arthroscopic and open procedures; however, both analyses showed substantial heterogeneity. Higher partial resorption rates were observed on CT (48.0; 95% CI 43.3-52.7) compared to radiograph (14.1; 95% CI 10.9-18.1). Three studies comprising 267 shoulders demonstrated a higher rate of non-union and recurrence in smokers, whereas one study comprising 38 shoulders did not.

CONCLUSION

Non-union and resorption rates were similar among procedures, grafts and fixation methods. Higher resorption rates were observed in allografts, but this was not associated with higher recurrence rates or worse clinical outcomes. Pooling data demonstrated substantial heterogeneity and definitions varied among studies, warranting more standardized measuring.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Open and arthroscopic posterior bone block with iliac crest autograft for posterior shoulder instability - systematic review of clinical and radiological outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Posterior shoulder instability (PSI) is a rare and challenging pathology to manage. The aim of this review was to assess and compare whether open and arthroscopic iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) bone block procedures succeeded in improving functional and clinical outcomes as well as radiological outcomes of union and graft resorption.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesised that there will be no difference in recurrence rate and functional outcome between open and arthroscopic procedures but there will be a higher complication rate with open bone block procedures.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using the online databases MEDLINE and Embase. The review was registered on the PROSPERO database. Studies of open or arthroscopic ICBG bone block procedures reporting patient reported outcome measures, recurrence, complications and progression to osteoarthritis and radiological outcomes of graft union and resorption were selected. Studies were appraised using the Methodical index for non-randomised studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULTS

14 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria; five studies were arthroscopic and nine used open techniques. A total of 183 patients and 201 shoulders were included, mean age was 25 years range (14-75 years). Recurrent instability ranged from 0% to 12.5% for arthroscopic and 0% to 36.4% for open studies. Arthroscopic studies had statistically significant increases in numerous functional outcome scores but there was no evidence for similar improvements in open studies. Osteoarthritis at follow-up ranged from 12.5% to 47% in arthroscopic and 0% to 81.8% for open studies. Arthroscopic complication rate ranged from 6.7% to 75% compared to 0% to 80% for open studies. Majority of complications were metalware related requiring surgical intervention. Partial graft resorption ranged from 7.7-100% after arthroscopic and 4.8-100% after open procedures. High union rates were seen with both open and arthroscopic techniques.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a lack of high-level evidence for arthroscopic and open posterior bone block procedures using ICBG to manage PSI. Functional and instability outcome scores showed significant improvement with arthroscopic ICBG bone block procedures however limited evidence was available for open studies. Metalwork related complications requiring revision and radiographic progression to osteoarthritis was high in both arthroscopic and open studies.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, systematic review.

Free bone grafting improves clinical outcomes in anterior shoulder instability with bone defect: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies with a minimum of 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the efficacy and safety of the free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability is limited. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the clinical and imaging results of free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect and to explore the incidence of complications in clinically relevant subgroups.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted per PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 29, 2021, for studies that had reported on free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Two researchers independently screened studies and extracted data. A random-effects model was used to pool data on clinical function scores, imaging results, and incidence of complications (recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications). Meta-regression analysis was used to evaluate the incidence of complications in different subgroups and investigate the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 840 patients (845 shoulders) with average ages ranging from 21 to 34.6 years. Compared with preoperatively, free bone grafting increased the postoperative Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score by 53.16, 31.80, 20.81, 38.63, and 4.07 points, respectively, and reduced the visual analog scale pain score by 3 points on average. During the postoperative follow-up period, the rates of return to sport and return to preoperative levels were 84.2% and 73.1%, respectively. The imaging results showed that the free bone healing rate was 98.9% and the incidence of osteoarthritis was 10.9%. The incidence rates of recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications were 3.4% and 5.6%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed no evidence of effect modification by the year, follow-up time, proportion of male patients, autograft or allograft, and arthroscopy or open surgery on the incidence of complications. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence rates of recurrent instability for open surgery, arthroscopy, allograft, autograft, Latarjet revision, and non-bone block revision were 4.1%, 2.3%, 1.5%, 4.4%, 10.3%, and 3.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The application of free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect can effectively improve shoulder joint function and is associated with a high return-to-sport rate and a low overall recurrence rate, but there were some differences in the complications of recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications among the subgroups. Given that these results need to be confirmed via head-to-head comparisons, we recommend that future clinical and biomechanical studies focus on comparing and investigating the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical approaches, thus providing a basis for orthopedic surgeons to make reliable choices.

Arthroscopic bone block stabilisation procedures for glenoid bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability: A systematic review of clinical and radiological outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent shoulder instability is frequently associated with glenohumeral bone loss. Recently there has been a surge of interest in arthroscopically performed bone block procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic glenoid bone block stabilisation for recurrent anterior dislocation.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy was applied to MEDLINE and Embase databases on 20^th July 2020. Studies reporting either clinical or radiological outcomes following arthroscopic bone block stabilisation for recurrent anterior dislocation were included. Primary outcomes were function and instability scores. Secondary outcomes included recurrent instability, graft union and resorption rates, return to activity/sports, and complications. Pooled analysis was performed when an outcome was uniformly reported by more than one study. Critical appraisal of studies was conducted using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULTS

Application of the search strategy resulted in the inclusion of 15 eligible studies; 12 used iliac crest bone graft while 3 used distal tibial allograft. The overall population comprised 265 patients (mean age range, 25.5-37.5 years; 79% of participants were men). All post-operative outcome scores were significantly improved, and the overall rate of recurrent instability was low (weighted mean 6.6%, range 0-18.2%) at mean follow up of 30.4 months. The Rowe score was the most frequently reported outcome measure, improving on average by 53.9 points at final follow-up, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold. Graft union rates ranged between 92-100% in 8 out of 10 studies at mean follow up range 6-78.7 months but two reported lower rates ranging from 58.3-84% for autografts and 37.5% for allografts. Graft resorption rates averaged between 10-16% for autografts and 32% for allografts. Hardware-related complications occurred in 2% with the most frequent being screw breakage or symptomatic mechanical irritation.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic bone block stabilisation is associated with high rates of graft union, significant improvements in the WOSI, Rowe, Constant and SSV scores (exceeding MCID thresholds where known), and a low rate of complications, including re-dislocation in the short to mid-term. Graft union rates were high, but the long-term implications of graft resorption (which occurs more frequently with allograft) are unknown. Longer follow-up of these patients and future experimental studies are required to further examine the effects of graft type and fixation methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; systematic review.

Arthroscopic Autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting for Reconstruction of the Glenoid: A Nonrigid Fixation Technique

Massive glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder represents a surgical challenge. Some clinical trials have been published assessing the role of arthroscopic iliac crest bone grafting techniques for the management of recurrent anterior instability with glenoid bone loss. However, bone graft fixation is still controversial. We developed a method for anatomic reconstruction of anterior glenoid bone defects using autologous iliac crest graft. This technique is based on the assumption that anatomic restoration of glenoid depth and width is essential to restore stability to the shoulder.