A comparison of the spectrum of intra-articular lesions in acute and chronic anterior shoulder instability

Minimizing Risk of Recurrent Instability Following Surgical Stabilization for Anterior Glenohumeral Instability

The most common surgical treatment options for anterior shoulder instability include the arthroscopic Bankart repair with or without adjunct procedures such as remplissage, the open Bankart repair, the Bristow-Latarjet procedure, and anterior free bone block transfers. The choice between non-operative treatment and 1 of the aforementioned procedures inherently impact the risk of recurrent instability. The purpose of this article is to discuss the timing of surgery in the in-season athlete, evaluate the evolving concept of glenoid and bipolar bone loss, and to discuss various surgical treatment options with a specific focus on minimizing recurrent instability rates following surgical stabilization.

Arthroscopic Humeral Head Hill-Sachs Grafting With Talus Allograft

The presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion is a known risk factor for recurrent shoulder instability. Many procedures have been described for the treatment of off-track Hill-Sachs lesions; however, each of these techniques is fraught with potential disadvantages and complications. In this Technical Note and accompanying video, we describe our technique for arthroscopic treatment of a Hill-Sachs lesion with talus osteochondral allograft. This technique recreates native humeral head anatomy with a highly congruent graft without altering the biomechanics of the glenohumeral joint.

Remplissage May Decrease the Redislocation Rate After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Patients With an Engaging Hill-Sachs Defect: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Studies With Minimal 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

The redislocation rate after arthroscopic Bankart repair (BR) among patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL) may be reduced with the use of remplissage.

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of adding remplissage to an arthroscopic BR in patients with concomitant HSL.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched between February 2022 and April 2023 with the terms "remplissage" and "shoulder instability" according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The inclusion criteria were formed using the population, intervention, control, and outcome method; the investigation included studies that compared BR with and without remplissage and had ≥24 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

From 802 articles found during the initial search, 7 studies with a total of 837 patients-558 receiving isolated BR (BR group) and 279 receiving BR with remplissage (BR+REMP)-were included. The probability of recurrence of instability among patients with an engaging HSL was significantly diminished in the BR+REMP group compared with the BR group (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.24; P < .001). Regarding shoulder range of motion, the BR+REMP group achieved increased forward flexion (mean difference [MD], 1.97°; 95% CI, 1.49° to 2.46°; P < .001) and decreased external rotation in adduction (MD, -1.43°; 95% CI, -2.40° to -0.46°; P = .004) compared with the BR group. Regarding patient-reported outcome measures, the BR+REMP group had Rowe (MD, 2.53; 95% CI, -1.48 to 6.54; P = .21) and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) (MD, -61.60; 95% CI, -148.03 to 24.82; P = .162) scores that were comparable with those of the BR group.

CONCLUSION

Remplissage resulted in a 9-fold decrease in the recurrence of instability after arthroscopic BR in patients with HSL. Remplissage not only led to an increase in forward flexion but also only slightly limited patients' external rotation in adduction. WOSI and Rowe scores after remplissage at the final 24-month follow-up were comparable with those obtained after isolated Bankart repair.

Arthroscopic-Controlled Reduction of Hill-Sachs Lesions: Treatment Option for Off-Track Lesions in Young Patients?

Large Hill-Sachs lesions (HSL) are currently treated via a remplissage procedure. Although the good stabilizing properties of this surgery are apparent, there are some disadvantages in terms of the functional outcome. In the following Technical Note, we present a method of arthroscopic-controlled reduction of HSL for anatomical restoration of the humeral head without functional limitations. For HSL reduction, we place a 1.6-mm K-wire in the central lesion under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic control from posterior to anterior in lateral drilling direction. Then, a 7-mm cannulated drill is used for preparing the reduction canal. Afterward, the HSL is reduced via bone tamp, also under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic control. No bone substitution material is used to fill the canal; only a standard wound closure is performed. Arthroscopic-controlled reduction of impacted humeral head fractures seems to be a possible and relatively easy way to perform an anatomical restoration of HSLs. Because the exact location of HSLs can vary slightly, the exact surgical setting might be slightly different each time. Biomechanical studies already show similar stabilizing properties of this procedure compared with established techniques but without losing external rotation. Further studies need to review the potential rate of humeral head necrosis or secondary loss of reduction.

Similar patient-reported outcomes but lower redislocation and higher revision rates following primary Latarjet vs. primary arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients with 10%-20% glenoid bone loss at a minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The amount of glenoid bone loss is closely related to the success rate of surgical treatment following anterior shoulder dislocations. There is an ongoing debate on the most successful treatment in patients with a subcritical amount (10%-20%) of glenoid bone loss (GBL). This study aimed to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following primary open Latarjet procedure and primary arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) in patients with 10%-20% GBL at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 53 patients with traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations treated with Latarjet or ABR between 2011 and 2019. PROMs included the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS). Secondary outcomes included recurrence, complications, revision surgery, patient satisfaction, and return to sport (RTS).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 77 ± 31.7 months. Baseline characteristics were similar between ABR and Latarjet, except for time to follow-up (91 ± 30 vs. 61 ± 26 months, P < .001) and percentage GBL (15 ± 3 vs. 17 ± 3, P = .024). WOSI scores were higher in Latarjet patients compared with ABR; however, this difference was not statistically significant (220 vs. 457, P = .10). OSIS scores were similar following ABR and Latarjet (42 vs. 45, P = .33). Recurrence rates were higher in ABR patients (7 [24%] vs. 0 [0%] recurrences, P = .01), whereas revision rates were higher in Latarjet patients (4 vs. 0 revisions, P = .04). Patient satisfaction and complications were not different between the 2 procedures and neither achieved RTS and RTS to preinjury level.

CONCLUSION

The null hypothesis in which Latarjet and ABR show similar patient-reported outcomes could not be rejected based on the underpowered analysis. Patients treated with Latarjet did not have any recurrences vs. 7 in the ABR group (P = .01). However, revision rates were higher in Latarjet patients (4 vs. 0 revisions, P = .04).

Risk factors for increased external rotation deficit after combined Bankart repair and remplissage for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

BACKGROUND

External rotation (ER) deficit following Bankart repair and remplissage (BRR) is reported to be a major concern. The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors that correlate with increased postoperative ER deficit in a population that underwent BRR for recurrent anterior shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss (<20%).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed on 41 patients who underwent BRR for anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss of <20%. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of 2-year postoperative follow-up with available pre- and postoperative functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form [ASES] score and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index [WOSI]) and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Regression analysis was conducted to detect risk factors for postoperative ER deficit, including age, sex, number of dislocations, length of follow-up, Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), Hill-Sachs depth (HSD), sport participation, number of anchors used for remplissage, and hand dominance. A subanalysis was undertaken after dividing patients into 2 groups (deficit <20% and ≥20%). Correlation between postoperative scores and ER deficit was performed.

RESULTS

All patients showed marked improvement in postoperative WOSI and ASES compared to preoperative by a mean difference of 46.2 ± 19.9 and 29.6 ± 14.4, respectively. Compared with the opposite side, the mean reduction in external rotation at the side (ERs), external rotation in abduction (ERa), forward flexion, and internal rotation in abduction were 21.9% ± 15.5%, 14.3% ± 9.9%, 2.7% ± 1.9%, and 10% ± 6.2%, respectively. Univariate regression analysis showed that shorter postoperative time, larger HSI, and the use of 2 anchors were significantly associated with increased limitation of both ERs and ERa. Participation in sports was significantly associated with less ERs limitation. HSD was significantly associated with increased ERa limitation. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that larger HSI was significantly associated with increases in both ERs and ERa limitation. Time of final follow-up and number of anchors were significantly associated with ERs and ERa limitation, respectively. ER deficit ≥20% was significantly associated with a lower number of preoperative dislocations, shorter time of final follow-up, HSI, and 2 anchors used in remplissage. No correlations exist between functional scores and ER deficit. There were no recurrent dislocations.

CONCLUSION

The results show that postoperative ER deficit improves over time. Risk factors for increased postoperative ER deficit are larger HSI and use of more than 1 anchor for capsulotenodesis. There was no correlation between functional scores and ER deficit.

The Radiologic Evaluation and Clinical Significance of Glenohumeral Bone Loss in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Glenoid and humeral bone loss is associated with a high incidence of recurrent shoulder instability and failure of arthroscopic stabilization procedures. However, the radiographic evaluation of bony Bankart and Hill-Sachs injuries continues to pose a diagnostic challenge, and a universally accepted optimal method of measurement is lacking. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques and imaging modalities available for measuring glenoid bone loss in shoulder instability, including conventional roentgenography, 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also review the concepts of engaging "on-track" and "off-track" Hill-Sachs lesions. Finally, we highlight the clinical importance of obtaining accurate determinations of bone loss by the various methods available, as it can affect surgical decision making and the appropriate procedure required to ensure shoulder stability is adequately restored.

Subscapularis Muscle Radiographic Integrity and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction With Distal Tibial Allograft

BACKGROUND

Shoulder stabilization surgery has evolved over time, and bony augmentation procedures on the glenoid side are being performed more often. The Latarjet procedure modifies subscapularis anatomy because the conjoined tendon divides the subscapularis muscle fibers through a split/takedown, which has structural and functional implications. Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) re-creates anatomy. This technique uses the Halifax portal to deploy and fix a distal tibial allograft (DTA) through the rotator interval, thus preserving the subscapularis anatomy.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to analyze the radiographic properties of the subscapularis muscle after AAGR. It was hypothesized that the subscapularis muscle structure remains preserved postoperatively.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed comprising a consecutive series of patients treated with AAGR with DTA between November 2012 and April 2021 for traumatic anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Patients were excluded if they had posterior instability, glenoid fracture, missing pre- or postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, or only CT arthrogram available. Radiographic variables measured on CT scans included estimates of subscapularis muscle volume, subscapularis/infraspinatus muscle ratio, and fatty infiltration according to the Goutallier classification. Pre- and postoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index scores were collected as a secondary outcome of this study.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients were included in the study with a clinical follow-up of 2.3 ± 1.5 years (mean ± SD). The subscapularis volume increased from 185.91 ± 45.85 mL preoperatively to 194.1 ± 49.0 mL postoperatively (P = .006). The subscapularis to infraspinatus muscle ratio showed a significant increase from 0.96 ± 0.27 to 1.05 ± 0.30 after surgery (P = .002). All patients had a Goutallier stage of 0 before and after surgery. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scores showed a significant improvement from 64.8 ± 15.5 preoperatively to 28.2 ± 24.0 postoperatively (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Patients who undergo AAGR with DTA for traumatic shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss have a preserved subscapularis muscle volume with no fatty infiltration, while showing a significant improvement in clinical outcomes.

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.

The Latarjet Procedure for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability in the Contact Athlete

In young athletes, anterior shoulder instability is a prevalent condition. Because of high-energy traumas, contact athletes often suffer recurrent instability, bone loss and postoperative recurrences. Patients younger than 20 years, symptomatic for more than 6 months, with ≥ 2 dislocations, with off-track Hill-Sachs lesion, glenoid bone loss, ALPSA lesion, Instability Severity Index Score > 3, and Glenoid Track Instability Management Score > 3 are at higher risk of failure. In cases of multiple dislocations with critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss, notably in collision and contact athletes, the Latarjet procedure is widely recognized as the treatment of choice.

Outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent instability are equal to stabilization after a primary event

Aims

Extensive literature exists relating to the management of shoulder instability, with a more recent focus on glenoid and humeral bone loss. However, the optimal timing for surgery following a dislocation remains unclear. There is concern that recurrent dislocations may worsen subsequent surgical outcomes, with some advocating stabilization after the first dislocation. The aim of this study was to determine if the recurrence of instability following arthroscopic stabilization in patients without significant glenoid bone loss was influenced by the number of dislocations prior to surgery.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, Orthosearch, and Cochrane databases with the following search terms: ((shoulder or glenohumeral) and (dislocation or subluxation) and arthroscopic and (Bankart or stabilisation or stabilization) and (redislocation or re-dislocation or recurrence or instability)). Methodology followed the PRISMA guidelines. Data and outcomes were synthesized by two independent reviewers, and papers were assessed for bias and quality.

Results

Overall, 35 studies including 7,995 shoulders were eligible for analysis, with a mean follow-up of 32.7 months (12 to 159.5). The rate of post-stabilization instability was 9.8% in first-time dislocators, 9.1% in recurrent dislocators, and 8.5% in a mixed cohort. A descriptive analysis investigated the influence of recurrent instability or age in the risk of instability post-stabilization, with an association seen with increasing age and a reduced risk of recurrence post-stabilization.

Conclusion

Using modern arthroscopic techniques, patients sustaining an anterior shoulder dislocation without glenoid bone loss can expect a low risk of recurrence postoperatively, and no significant difference was found between first-time and recurrent dislocators. Furthermore, high-risk cohorts can expect a low, albeit slightly higher, rate of redislocation. With the findings of this study, patients and clinicians can be more informed as to the likely outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization within this patient subset.

Comparison between arthroscopic Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP lesion repair in limited-contact athletes with type V SLAP lesion. A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, recurrence rate, range of motion (ROM) and return to sports activities between arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) versus arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair (ABR/S) in limited contact-athletes with a type V SLAP lesion in the scenario of recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RASI). Our hypothesis was that there is no difference between the two treatments.

METHODS

Two groups of 45 limited-contact athletes with type V SLAP lesion were created. Group 1 underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair, while group 2 had an arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. The WOSI and ASES scores were used to assess primary functional outcomes. Recurrence rate, ROM and return to sport were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Significant differences were reported in the WOSI and ASES scores pre- and post-operatively in each group. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.78 and 0.43). We reported 4 recurrences (8.8 %) in group 1 and 5 (11.1 %) in group 2, with no difference between them (P = 0.62). There were no significant differences between the range of motion of each of the groups as well as between them. More than 90% of the athletes in both groups returned to their previous sporting activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited-contact athletes with RASI who have a type V SLAP lesion as their primary diagnosis can be treated using either ABR or ABR/S with equal efficacy. Both treatment alternatives preserve athlete's function, stability, ROM and return to sport.

Anterior Labrum Periosteal Sleeve Avulsion Lesions of the Shoulder: A Scoping Review

Background

Anterior labrum periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesion of the shoulder is defined as a labral avulsion with an intact periosteum of the glenoid neck resulting in medial malattachment of the labrum, which is both nonanatomic and nonfunctional. It is relatively rare compared with Bankart lesions, and its results are usually reported in combination with other anterior labroligamentous lesions in the literature.

Purpose

To (1) assess the size and scope of the literature on ALPSA lesions, (2) highlight the importance of this lesion, and (3) distinguish between ALPSA and Bankart lesions in diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Study Design

Scoping review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar databases were searched with the keywords "ALPSA,""anterior labrum periosteal sleeve avulsion,""anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion," and "anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion" lesion. Duplicate articles and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded, resulting in the identification of 42 relevant articles. Their references were analyzed for further data curation.

Results

This scoping review demonstrated that ALPSA lesions are difficult to clinically identify. Magnetic resonance angiography in the adduction internal rotation position is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for identification. Optimal views are the anterosuperior portal for accurate identification and the anteroinferior portal for surgical repair during arthroscopy. Treatment begins with correctly identifying the labrum, in contradistinction to dense reactive fibrous tissue, and reattaching the labrum to the correct anatomic glenoid footprint. Chronic lesions with bone loss require either bone block or soft tissue augmentation procedures.

Conclusion

There is paucity of exclusive literature on ALPSA lesions. It is important to distinguish this lesion from the Bankart lesion as it is associated with worse outcomes. The higher failure rates of ALPSA lesion repair indicate that the current repair techniques require further refinement to improve the outcomes to the standard of Bankart lesions.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair With Remplissage in Anterior Shoulder Instability Results in Fewer Redislocations Than Bankart Repair Alone at Medium-term Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

A multicenter, double-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing isolated Bankart repair (NO REMP) to Bankart repair with remplissage (REMP) reported benefits of remplissage in reducing recurrent instability at 2 years postoperative. The ongoing benefits beyond this time point are yet to be explored.

PURPOSE

To (1) compare medium-term (3 to 9 years) outcomes of these previously randomized patients undergoing isolated Bankart repair (NO REMP) or Bankart repair with remplissage (REMP) to manage recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability; (2) examine the failure rate, overall recurrent instability, and reoperation rate.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

METHODS

Recruitment and randomization for the original randomized trial occurred between 2011 and 2017. Patients ≥14 years diagnosed with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability with an engaging Hill-Sachs defect of any size were included. Those with a glenoid defect >15% were excluded. In 2020, participants were contacted by telephone and asked standardized questions regarding ensuing instances of subluxation, dislocation, or reoperation on their study shoulder. "Failure" was defined as a redislocation, and "overall recurrent instability" was described as a redislocation or ≥2 subluxations. Descriptive statistics, relative risk, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 108 participants were randomized, of whom 50 in the NO REMP group and 52 in the REMP group were included in the analyses in the original study. The mean number of months from surgery to the final follow-up was 49.3 and 53.8 months for the NO REMP and REMP groups, respectively. Failure rates were 22% (11/50) in the NO REMP group versus 8% (4/52) in the REMP group. Rates of overall recurrent instability were 30% (15/50) in the NO REMP group versus 10% (5/52) in the REMP group. Survival curves were significantly different, favoring REMP in both scenarios.

CONCLUSION

For the treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs lesion and subcritical glenoid bone loss (<15%), a significantly lower rate of overall postoperative recurrent instability was observed with arthroscopic Bankart repair and remplissage than with isolated Bankart repair at a medium-term follow-up (mean of 4 years). Patients who did not receive a remplissage experienced a failure (redislocated) earlier and had a higher rate of revision/reoperation than those who received a concomitant remplissage.

REGISTRATION

NCT01324531 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Shoulder MRI parameters in anticipating anterior shoulder dislocation: Are they a reliable and reproducible tool in clinical practice?

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD) is a frequently observed musculoskeletal injury that is often encountered in the context of sports activities or as a result of trauma. Several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters have been previously investigated for the purpose of characterizing the anatomical features, which could potentially be responsible for the episodes of instability. These measurements have the potential to identify patients who are susceptible to dislocation. Consequently, ensuring the reliability and consistency of these measurements is crucial in the diagnosis and the management of athletic or traumatic shoulder injuries.

METHODS

A group of four students, who had no previous experience in reading MRI series, were selected to perform radiographic measurements on specific parameters of MRI scans. These parameters were glenoid version, glenoid depth, glenoid width, humeral head diameter, humeral containing angle, and the ratio of humeral head diameter to glenoid diameter. The four participants conducted two distinct readings on a total of 28 sets of shoulder MRI scans. Simultaneously, the aforementioned measures were assessed by a consultant shoulder surgeon.

RESULTS

A total of 1512 measurements were categorized into nine sets: eight from students' measurements (two per student) and one from the consultant. Intra-rater reliability assessed by the intra-class correlation (ICC) test indicated excellent or good reliability for all parameters (p < 0.05), with glenoid depth showing the highest (0.925) and humeral-containing angles the lowest (0.675) ICC value. Inter-rater correlation, also evaluated using ICC, demonstrated strong correlation (p < 0.05), with glenoid diameter having the highest ICC score (0.935) and glenoid depth the lowest (0.849). Agreement analysis, expressed by Cohen's Kappa test, revealed substantial agreement (p < 0.05) for all parameters, with humeral head diameter having the highest agreement (0.90) and humeral-containing angle the lowest (0.73).

CONCLUSION

In this study, intra- and inter-rater MRI parameters are substantially concordant. Credibility comes from these reliability and agreement analyses' statistical significance. Glenoid diameter and depth are the most reliable intrarater and interrater, respectively. Best agreement was with the humeral-containing angle. These data demonstrate repeatability and clinical relevance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

The History and Evolution of the Open Labral Repair with Capsular Shift for Shoulder Instability

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to describe the evolution of the open labral repair with capsular shift, including the current role of this procedure in the treatment of shoulder instability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, a subset of patients - high-level collision/contact sport athletes, patients with significant inferior or multi-directional instability, and individuals with failed arthroscopic Bankart repair without bone loss - may experience benefit from undergoing open Bankart repair with capsular shift. Surgeons performing open stabilization can benefit from instrumentation and anchors developed to assist with arthroscopic techniques. Understanding the history and evolution behind the procedure not only allows the surgeon to appreciate principles behind an arthroscopic approach, but also permits the utilization of an open approach when required by patient pathology and risk factors.

Glenoid track and subcritical Hill-Sachs lesion

Background

We have proposed the concept of glenoid track ("on-track/off-track" lesion) to evaluate the risk of engagement of the Hill-Sachs lesion with the glenoid after arthroscopic Bankart repair. This concept has been widely used and many clinical validation studies have been reported. To measure the glenoid track width, we have recommended to use 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) images. However, the CT method has the issue of radiation exposure and involves time and effort to make 3-dimensional CT images from 2-dimensional images. For these reasons, there are several reports describing the measurement method using magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, the threshold of the critical glenoid bone loss becomes lower. A zone of bone loss below the critical size is called "subcritical bone loss", which might be related to deterioration of quality of life and bone grafting is recommended. We applied the concept of "subcritical bone loss" to the glenoid track. Patients with "on-track" lesions can be divided into 2 subgroups: those with a "peripheral-track" lesion (most medial 1/4) and those with a "central-track" lesion (the rest 3/4). More recently, similar evaluation methods to evaluate the risk of "off-track" lesions have been reported: ''distance to dislocation'' and "Hill-Sachs interval/glenoid track ratio". Also, similar concept to "peripheral-track" lesion, "near-track" lesion was reported. The concept of "peripheral-track" lesion is a concept of assessing an "on-track" lesion which is very close to the medial margin of the glenoid track (subcritical bone loss).

Methods

Similar evaluation methods to evaluate the risk of "off-track" or "peripheral-track" lesions were proposed in the literature. A review was performed by searching PubMed. Journal articles published between January 2014 and January 2023 were taken into account. They were compared and their differences were explained.

Results

The "near-track" lesion concept is similar to "peripheral-track" lesion. However, the cutoff value is different: Hill-Sachs occupancy ≥ 75% is the "peripheral-track" lesion, whereas "distance to dislocation" < 8 mm is the "near-track" lesion.

Conclusion

We introduced update of the glenoid track concept including the evaluation method, peripheral-track lesion, and its clinical application.

Arthroscopic Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament (HAGL) Repair Utilized Accessory Posterior Portal in the Beach-Chair Position

Shoulder instability, often associated with both soft tissue and bone lesions, can result in shoulder pain and dysfunction. To address this, the combined procedure of a Bankart repair in conjunction with humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) repair aims to minimize failure rates in a single procedure. While HAGL repair is imperative for preventing recurrent instability, there remains a lack of consensus on the optimal surgical technique. This Technical Note aims to elucidate a surgical approach for addressing and repairing HAGL lesions using arthroscopy, specifically employing a combined posterior viewing portal and posteroinferior working portal in the beach-chair position.

Controversies in surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. State of the Art

Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) has been accepted as a standard procedure for anterior shoulder instability with a minimum or no glenoid bone loss and an on-track Hill-Sachs lesion if present. However, several controversies exist in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability. This article will discuss some of these controversies in, "simple," dislocations (without bone loss) as well as, "complex," (with critical bone loss). Determining which patients will benefit from an arthroscopic procedure depends on multiple factors including age, activity level, adequate determination of bone loss, performed with feasible and reliable imaging techniques. In the absence of concomitant significant bony and soft tissue pathology, ABR alone can provide satisfactory clinical results on a long-term basis. Controversies, including whether to remove cartilage from the edge of the glenoid, knotted versus knotless anchors, and routine rotator interval closure, still exist. In cases with significant bone loss, several bone restoring procedures have been described, such as, the Latarjet procedure, iliac crest bone graft, arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction with a frozen distal tibial allograft, and fresh distal tibial allograft reconstruction. This article will address these controversies and provide guidance based on available published data.

Bulk osteochondral allograft for massive Hill-Sachs defect combined with Latarjet procedure for bipolar bone loss in anterior instability

A proportion of patients with anterior glenohumeral instability present with bipolar bone loss comprising large Hill-Sachs lesions and substantial glenoid defect. These are surgically difficult cases to treat. We describe a novel surgical procedure of bulk size-matched osteochondral allograft reconstruction for massive Hill-Sachs lesions combined with the Latarjet procedure for these challenging cases.

The size of the Hill Sachs defect increases during reduction of a first time shoulder dislocation in older adults: a pilot study in 20 cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate if the size of Humeral Hill-Sachs Defects (HSDs) increases during reduction in the emergency department (ED) in subjects that have a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation.

METHODS

Subjects more than 18 years old presenting to the ED a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included. A computed tomography was performed prior to any reduction attempt (Pre-CT). The shoulder was reduced in the emergency room with intraarticular lidocaine; if two attempts failed, the shoulder was reduced under anaesthesia. A second CT was performed after reduction of the shoulder (Post-CT). CT were evaluated using the Osirix software. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of the humeral head was performed and the maximum width of the humeral defect, maximum depth of the humeral defect and total volume of the humeral defect were measured. The relative increase in size was calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty subjects were included in the study. All subjects presented HSDs in the Pre-CT that had a width of a median of 9.9(interquartile range:2.9)mm, a depth of 7.0(3.0]mm and a volume of 355(333)mm2. The HSD in the Post-CT had a width of 10.9(3.0)mm (an increase of 7.23[8.5]%, significant differences, p = 0.0001) a depth of 7.2(2.7)mm (an increase of 9.93[20.7]%, significant differences, p < 0.0001) and a volume of 469(271) mm2 (an increase of 27.5[26.9]%, significant differences, p < 0.0001). There were size increases larger than 25% in 15/20 (75%) of subjects.

CONCLUSION

Standard reduction manoeuvres performed in a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation increase the size of the HSD. This increase in size is larger than 25% in four out of five cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, prospective cases series study.

Editorial Commentary: Immediate Surgical Stabilization Following a First-Time Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Is Still the Best Evidence-Based Approach

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations are unfortunately common. The initial dislocation is enough to cause permanent anatomic and biomechanical alterations to the glenohumeral joint, which increases the likelihood of further events. When a patient crosses into the multiple dislocator category, further soft-tissue and bony injury occurs. This is almost certainly the reason that the number of preoperative dislocations significantly diminishes the success of an arthroscopic stabilization and increases the need for a more aggressive approach that may carry greater risks of complications. When it comes to recurrent instability, there remains very little doubt regarding the appropriate treatment for a first-time traumatic dislocation: immediate surgical stabilization! Assuming no significant glenoid or humeral bone loss, arthroscopic stabilization remains an effective surgery with a high-benefit, low-risk profile, especially when combined with a remplissage in high-risk circumstances. At least 4 randomized controlled trials support immediate versus nonoperative management for every outcome measured: recurrence, return to sport, patient-reported outcomes, and sustained event-free survival, especially pronounced at 2 years. The decision to recommend surgery, is of course, not always straightforward, necessitating an informed discussion with the patient and the family, especially when other outcomes such as return to play are deemed equally relevant and can be successfully achieved with nonoperative management. Nonetheless, more than any other outcome measure, is there a more important outcome than recurrence regarding long-term health implications? Lastly, can we do better with study designs and outcome measures to better understand risk factors to identify patients better suited for surgery after a first-time event than others? Absolutely. But until then, when up to 60% can sustain a recurrent dislocation in this population, and up to 90% in high-risk individuals, the odds are not in my favor with nonoperative treatment. Despite potential limitations in our current literature, immediate surgery following a first-time dislocation is still the best evidence-based approach.

Review of Burkhart and DeBeer's (2000) article on traumatic glenohumeral bone defects and their relationship to failure of arthroscopic Bankart repair: Where have we taken the concept of glenoid bone loss in 2023?

This classic discusses the original publication by Burkhart and DeBeer "Traumatic Glenohumeral Bone Defects and Their Relationship to Failure of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair" published in 2000 in Arthroscopy. At that time, the authors sought to understand the reasons behind the failure of arthroscopic soft tissue repair. Based on their findings, the authors introduced the concept of the inverted pear glenoid and engaging Hill-Sachs lesion which is now part of the orthopedic lexicon. The importance of bony pathologic changes in anterior glenohumeral instability has become so apparent, that it now forms the basis of clinical understanding and underpins treatment algorithms. Since this publication over 20 years ago, the idea of glenohumeral bone loss has been extensively explored and refined. There is no doubt of the importance of structural bone loss yet there is still uncertainty as to the best management of those with subcritical bone loss. The purpose of revisiting this classic article is to look at where we are in understanding recurrent instability and bony deficiency while appreciating how far we have come. This review begins with a detailed summary of the classic article along with a historic perspective. Next, we look at the current evidence as it pertains to the classic article and how modern technology and innovation has advanced our ability to assess and quantify glenohumeral bone loss. We finish with expert commentary on the topic from two current surgeons with a research interest in shoulder instability to offer an insight into how modern surgeons view and address this issue. One of the original authors also reflects on the topic. The findings of this classic study changed the way we think about shoulder instability and opened the doors to an exciting body of research that is still growing today. Future research offers an opportunity for high quality evidence to guide management in the group of patients with subcritical bone loss and we eagerly await the results.

Anterior-posterior glenohumeral translation in shoulders with traumatic anterior instability: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Reports of glenohumeral translation in shoulders with traumatic anterior instability have been presented. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate anterior-posterior translation in shoulders with traumatic anterior instability.

Methods

This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies including patients aged ≥15 years with previous traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation or subluxation were included. The outcome was anterior-posterior glenohumeral translation. A search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library was performed on July 17, 2022. Two reviewers individually screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full text, extracted data, and performed quality assessment.

Results

Twenty studies (582 unstable shoulders in total) of varying quality were included. There was a lack of standardization and unity across studies. Radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, motion tracking, instrumentation, and manual testing were used to assess the glenohumeral translation. The glenohumeral translation in unstable shoulders ranged from 0.0 ± 0.8 mm to 11.6 ± 3.7 mm, as measured during various motion tasks, arm positions, and application of external force. The glenohumeral translation was larger or more anteriorly directed in unstable shoulders than in stable when contralateral healthy shoulders or a healthy control group were included in the studies. Several studies found that the humeral head was more anteriorly located on the glenoid in the unstable shoulders.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides an overview of the current literature on glenohumeral translation in traumatic anterior shoulder instability. It was not able to identify a threshold for abnormal translation in unstable shoulders, due to the heterogeneity of data. The review supports that not only the range of translation but also the direction hereof as well as the location of the humeral head on the glenoid seem to be part of the pathophysiology. Technical development and increased attention to research methodology in recent years may provide more knowledge and clarity on this topic in the future.

Glenohumeral Pathologies following Primary Anterior Traumatic Shoulder Dislocation-Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Arthrography and Arthroscopy

BACKGROUND

We assessed intraarticular injuries in patients after primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation by comparing magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) results with concomitant arthroscopic findings.

METHODS

All patients with primary traumatic shoulder dislocation who underwent arthroscopic surgery between 2001 and 2020 with preoperative MRA were included in this study. MRA was retrospectively compared with arthroscopic findings. Postoperative shoulder function was prospectively assessed using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (quick DASH), the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), as well as the rate of return to sports.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients were included in this study. A Hill-Sachs lesion was consistently found in the corresponding shoulders on MRA and arthroscopy in 35 cases (p = 0.007), a Bankart lesion in 37 shoulders (p = 0.004), and a superior labrum from anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion in 55 cases (p = 0.581). Of all cases, 32 patients were available for a clinical and functional follow-up evaluation. A positive correlation was found between the level of sport practiced and the Oxford Shoulder Score (redislocation subset) (p = 0.032) and between the age at the time of surgery and the follow-up SSV (p = 0.036). Conversely, a negative correlation was observed between the age at the time of surgery and the Oxford Instability Score (redislocation subset) (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study show a good correlation between MRA and arthroscopy. Therefore, MRA is a valid tool for the detection of soft tissue pathologies after primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation and can aid in presurgical planning.

Variability in quantifying the Hill-Sachs lesion: A scoping review

Background

Currently, is there no consensus on a widely accepted measurement technique for calculating the Hill-Sachs lesion (HSL). The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the techniques and imaging modalities to assess the HSL pre-operatively.

Methods

Four online databases (PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and COCHRANE) were searched for literature on the various modalities and measurement techniques used for quantifying HSLs, from data inception to 20 November 2021. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies tool was used to assess study quality.

Results

Forty-five studies encompassing 3413 patients were included in this review. MRA and MRI showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values. Intrarater and interrater agreement was shown to be the highest amongst MRA. The most common reference tests for measuring the HSL were arthroscopy, radiography, arthro-CT, and surgical techniques.

Conclusion

MRA and MRI are reliable imaging modalities with good test diagnostic properties for assessment of HSLs. There is a wide variety of measurement techniques and imaging modalities for HSL assessment, however a lack of comparative studies exists. Thus, it is not possible to comment on the superiority of one technique over another. Future studies comparing imaging modalities and measurement techniques are needed that incorporate a cost-benefit analysis.

Incidence of bony Bankart lesions in Sweden: a study of 790 cases from the Swedish fracture register

BACKGROUND

A bony Bankart lesion directly affects the stability of the shoulder by reducing the glenoid joint-contact area. The aim of this study was to report on the epidemiological data relating to bony Bankart lesions in Sweden using the Swedish fracture register. The purpose is to evaluate age and sex distribution in the population with bony Bankart lesions, its impact on treatment strategy and further to analyse patient-reported outcomes.

METHODS

This was an epidemiological descriptive study. The inclusion criteria were all patients with a unilateral bony Bankart lesion registered between April 2012 and April 2019. The patients' specific data (age, sex, type and time of injury, treatment option and patient-reported outcomes) were extracted from the Swedish fracture register database.

RESULTS

A total of 790 unilateral bony Bankart fractures were identified. The majority of the patients were male (58.7%). The median age for all patients at the time of injury was 57 years. Females had a higher median age of 66 years, compared with males, 51 years. Most of the bony Bankart lesions, 662 (91.8%), were registered as a low-energy trauma. More than two-thirds of all treatment registered cases, 509/734 patients (69.3%), were treated non-surgically, 225 (30.7%) were treated surgically, while, in 17 patients (7.5% of all surgically treated patients), the treatment was changed from non-surgical to surgical due to recurrent instability. Surgical treatment was chosen for 149 (35%) of the males and for 76 (25%) of the females. Patient quality of life decreased slightly in both surgically and non-surgically treated groups 1 year after bony Bankart injury.

CONCLUSION

This national register-based study provides detailed information on the epidemiology, choice of treatment and patient-reported outcomes in a large cohort of bony Bankart lesions. Most bony Bankart lesions affected males between 40 and 75 years after low-energy falls and non-surgical treatment dominated.

Current Concepts in the Measurement of Glenohumeral Bone Loss

PURPOSE

The extent of glenohumeral bone loss seen in anterior shoulder dislocations plays a major role in guiding surgical management of these patients. The need for accurate and reliable preoperative assessment of bone loss on imaging studies is therefore of paramount importance to orthopedic surgeons. This article will focus on the tools that are available to clinicians for quantifying glenoid bone loss with a focus on emerging trends and research in order to describe current practices.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidence supports the use of 3D CT as the most optimal method for quantifying bone loss on the glenoid and humerus. New trends in the use of 3D and ZTE MRI represent exciting alternatives to CT imaging, although they are not widely used and require further investigation. Contemporary thinking surrounding the glenoid track concept and the symbiotic relationship between glenoid and humeral bone loss on shoulder stability has transformed our understanding of these lesions and has inspired a new focus of study for radiologists and orthopedist alike. Although a number of different advanced imaging modalities are utilized to detect and quantify glenohumeral bone loss in practice, the current literature supports 3D CT imaging to provide the most reliable and accurate assessments. The emergence of the glenoid track concept for glenoid and humeral head bone loss has inspired a new area of study for researchers that presents exciting opportunities for the development of a deeper understanding of glenohumeral instability in the future. Ultimately, however, the heterogeneity of literature, which speaks to the diverse practices that exist across the world, limits any firm conclusions from being drawn.

Lesion prevalence and patient outcome comparison between primary and recurrent anterior shoulder instability

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare lesion prevalence and treatment outcomes in patients with primary and recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

Patients who were admitted to the institution with a diagnosis of anterior shoulder instability and who underwent arthroscopic surgery between July 2006 and February 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Minimum follow-up duration of the patients was 24 months. The recorded data and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the patients were examined. Patients aged ≥40 years, with a history of shoulder region fracture, inflammatory arthritis, a history of epilepsy, multidirectional instability, nontraumatic dislocation, and off-track lesions were excluded from the study. Shoulder lesions were documented and patient outcome evaluation was made with the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) and visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

A total of 340 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 25.6 years (±6.49). The recurrent instability group had a significantly higher rate of anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesions compared to the primary instability group (40.6% vs. 24.6% respectively) (P = .033). Twenty-five patients (43.9%) had superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) lesions in the primary instability group and 81 patients (28.6%) had SLAP lesions in the recurrent instability group (P = .035). OSS increased for both primary (from 35 [16-44] to 46 [36-48]) (P = .001) and recurrent instability groups (from 33 [6-45] to 47 [19-48]) (P = .001). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding postoperative VAS and OSS scores (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Successful results were obtained in patients younger than 40 years with both primary and recurrent anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic treatment. ALPSA lesion prevalence was higher whereas SLAP lesion prevalence was lower in patients with recurrent instability. Although the postoperative OSS was comparable between the patient groups, the failure rate was higher in the recurrent instability patients.

Management of Shoulder Instability in Patients with Seizure Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with seizure disorders commonly suffer shoulder dislocations and subsequent instability. Due to high rates of recurrence and bone loss, management of this instability and associated pathology has proven to be more complex than that of patients without seizure disorders. The ultimate goal of this review is to outline the various treatment modalities and their respective outcomes in this complex patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Optimization of medical management of seizure disorders is imperative. However, despite these efforts, the incidence of post-operative seizure activity continues to be a concern. These subsequent episodes increase the risk of further instability and failure of surgical procedures. Overall, the use of soft tissue procedures has proven to result in increased recurrence of instability compared to bone-block augmenting and grafting procedures. There are a variety of bone-block procedures that have been described for anterior and posterior instability. Despite their success in decreasing further instability, they are associated with several complications that patients should be informed of. There is no consensus regarding the optimal surgical management of shoulder instability in patients with seizure activity. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of the seizure activity is paramount to the success of their treatment. Further studies are required to evaluate the optimal timing and type of surgical intervention for individualized cases.

First-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: current concepts

The management of first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations has been a topic of extensive study yet remains controversial. Development of a treatment plan requires an understanding of patient-specific considerations, including demographics, functional demands, and extent of pathology. Each of these can influence rates of recurrence and return to activity. The purpose of this review is to provide a framework for decision-making following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation, with particular focus on the high-risk young and athletic population. A summary of surgical treatment options and their outcomes is outlined, along with future biomechanical and clinical perspectives.

Increased superior translation following multiple simulated anterior dislocations of the shoulder

PURPOSE

Recurrent shoulder dislocations can result in kinematic changes of the glenohumeral joint. The number of prior shoulder dislocations may contribute to increased severity of capsulolabral lesions. The kinematics of the glenohumeral joint following multiple dislocations remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint during anterior dislocations of the shoulder, and more specifically, altered translational motion following multiple dislocations. The kinematics of the glenohumeral joint were hypothesized to change and correlate with the number of dislocations.

METHODS

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected free of all soft tissues except the glenohumeral capsule. Each joint was mounted in a robotic testing system. At 60 degrees of glenohumeral abduction, an internal and external rotational torque (1.1 Nm) were applied to the humerus, and the resulting joint kinematics were recorded. Anterior forces were applied to the humerus to anteriorly dislocate the shoulder and the resulting kinematics were recorded during each dislocation. Following each dislocation, the same rotational torque was applied to the humerus, and the resulting joint kinematics were also recorded. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the kinematics following each dislocation.

RESULTS

During the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th dislocations, the humerus significantly translated superiorly compared with the shoulder during the 1st dislocation (p < 0.05). Following the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 10th dislocations, the humeral head significantly translated superiorly compared with the shoulder following the 1st dislocation in the position of 60 degrees of abduction in response to external rotation torque (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Multiple anterior shoulder dislocations lead to abnormal translational kinematics and result in increased superior translation of the humerus. This may contribute to pathologic superior extension of capsulolabral injuries. Superior translation of the humerus with overhead motion in the setting of recurrent instability may also place the shoulder at risk for extension of the capsulolabral injuries.

Recurrent Shoulder Instability after Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in an Elite Baseball Pitcher-A Case Report

A 16-year-old right-handed male pitcher had a first-time right anterior shoulder dislocation during a baseball game. X-ray and MRI revealed no apparent glenoid bone loss or Hill-Sachs lesion, but an anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesion with mild posterolateral decompression of the humerus head. His instability severity index score (ISIS score) was 5 with an on-track lesion. He had an arthroscopic Bankart repair using two all-suture anchors and returned to pitching 6 months after the index surgery. However, he had an unstable sensation after 50 pitches during a game one year postoperatively. This time, he presented with a significant Hill-Sachs lesion and a recurrent APLSA lesion. His ISIS score was 6 with an on-tract lesion. During the arthroscopic examination, the previous suture was stable, while anterior capsuloligament tissues were dislodged from sutures, and a Hill-Sachs lesion was observed. This time, a revision arthroscopic Bankart repair and Remplissage procedure were done on him with four double-loaded soft tissue anchors. Pitchers often develop more external rotation in their throwing arm because of a repetitive stretch of the anterior shoulder capsule and ligaments during pitching. The decrease in external rotation after surgery may limit the pitching speed of the pitcher, making a return to play (RTP) more difficult. There is still a paucity of best evidence to revise a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair in the dominant arm of a pitcher. Arthroscopic Bankart repair and Remplissage procedure have gained increasing popularity because they can provide a stable shoulder without harvesting the coracoid. The Latarjet procedure provides a high RTP rate; however, we did not perform it in the revision surgery and decided to revise the Bankart lesion again on its own with a Remplissage procedure, even with his ISIS score being 6 before the revision surgery. A salvage Latarjet procedure is left as a bailout procedure.

Allograft reconstruction for humeral head defects in the setting of shoulder instability: a systematic review

Background

Glenohumeral joint instability and dislocation are common orthopedic pathologies that can produce osseous humeral head defects such as Hill-Sachs (HS) or Reverse Hill-Sachs (RHS) lesions. Numerous reconstruction techniques have been reported in the literature, including remplissage, disimpaction, and allograft reconstruction. No group has previously assessed the outcomes of allograft reconstruction for RHS lesions, nor compared the outcomes of allograft reconstruction for HS and RHS lesions. In this study, we aim to provide a comprehensive assessment of osteochondral allograft reconstruction for the distinct pathologies of RHS lesions and HS lesions by comparing postreconstruction patient-reported outcomes, complications, and radiographic assessments for each lesion.

Methods

Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review was performed to identify and include studies that reported patient outcomes after the use of osteochondral allografts in the reconstruction of HS or RHS lesions of the humeral head. A comprehensive search of the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted with the key terms "allograft," "Hill-Sachs," and "reverse Hill-Sachs."

Results

Eight studies, with a total of 84 patients, were included for review. Of the 84 allograft-treated patients, there were 44 patients with HS lesions and 40 patients with RHS lesions. The average patient age was 27.3 years for HS lesions and 43.0 years for RHS lesions. Postoperative range of motion and average Constant-Murley score (87.9 for HS and 80.1 for RHS) appeared to be greater for those with HS lesions. In addition, 20.5% of HS patients experienced postoperative complications, whereas 42.5% of RHS patients had postoperative complications (P = .03). HS and RHS patients experienced similar proportions of graft resorption or collapse rate (22.7% for HS and 12.5% for RHS; P = .2).

Conclusion

Patient-reported outcomes indicate that osteochondral allograft reconstruction for large RHS and HS lesions is an acceptable intervention. RHS patients had lower rates of graft resorption and collapse but worse postoperative range of motion and functional outcomes, although these differences were not statistically significant. HS patients experienced significantly fewer complications than those with RHS lesions.

Assessing Bone Loss in the Unstable Shoulder: a Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this scoping review is to identify and summarize findings published in the literature over the past 5 years related to methods for assessment of bone loss in anterior shoulder instability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of the 113 clinical studies included in this review, 76 reported a cutoff for glenoid bone loss when determining the patients indicated for one of the many stabilization procedures investigated. Bone loss on the glenoid side was evaluated most commonly with three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT), and either linear or surface area-based methods were employed with the use of a best-fit circle. When combined with plain CT, the two methods comprise up to 70% of the reported measurement techniques for glenoid bone loss (79 of 113 studies). On the humeral side, Hill-Sachs lesions were assessed more heterogeneously, though plain CT or 3D CT remained the methods of choice in the majority of studies (43 of 68, 63.2%). Lastly, the glenoid track was assessed by 27 of 113 studies (23.9%), again most commonly with 3D CT (13 studies) and plain CT (seven studies). The assessment of glenoid and humeral bone loss is essential to treatment decisions for patient with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Glenoid bone loss is most commonly assessed using cross-sectional imaging, most often 3D CT, and some variation of a best-fit circle applied to the inferior portion of the glenoid. Hill-Sachs lesion assessment was also commonly done using three-dimensional imaging; however, there was more variability in assessment methods across studies and there is an obvious need to unify the approach to humeral bone loss assessment for the purposes of improving treatment decisions and to better assess on-track and off-track lesions.

Arthroscopic Anterior Glenoid Bone Grafting for Shoulder Instability Using an Interconnected Suture Anchor Technique

Anterior bone grafting is an established and frequently used treatment option for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in combination with significant glenoid bone loss. Several open and arthroscopic fixation techniques have been presented to this field in recent years. Some of these techniques are associated with different peri- and postoperative problems or complications. Therefore, the technical gold standard for anterior bone grafting has not been determined, resulting in an ongoing evolvement of bone-grafting techniques. Arthroscopic, metal-free fixation procedures were introduced to the field bone grafting to overcome previous problems of screw fixation. These metal-free techniques frequently include surgically challenging transglenoidal drilling and are placing anterior soft tissues and neurovascular structures at risk. We therefore present an arthroscopic anterior, PEEK (polyether ether ketone)-anchor based, interconnecting bone-grafting technique bypassing previous challenges to restore the anterior glenoid bone stock with adequate positioning and fixation of the bone graft.

Combined Bankart and SLAP repair: patient-reported outcome measurements after a minimum 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder instability is typically characterized by detachment of the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion). Some patients also sustain a superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the medium-term clinical results of isolated anterior Bankart repairs (ABR) with those of combined Bankart and SLAP repair (ABR + SLAP).

METHODS

Data on all patients treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected from medical charts. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Patients were interviewed to assess patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), the Subjective Shoulder Score (SSV), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), as well as their quality of life (QOL: SF12 questionnaire). Information on complications, re-operations, and recurrent instability was recorded and evaluated as well.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients (88% males) with a mean age 23.7 years (range 15-40) were included. Forty-two patients following ABR + SLAP repair were compared to 108 patients following ABR alone, with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (range 5-10.7). The rate of re-dislocation was similar in both groups (26% for ABR + SLAP vs 20% for ABR, p = .44). There were no significant differences in functional outcome between the ABR + SLAP and the ABR alone groups (SSV 86.7 vs 86.5, p = .93, ASES 89.6 vs 86.5, p = .11, and DASH 4.9 vs 7, p = .17), or in QOL outcome (SF12 physical 95.6 vs 93.3, p = .27, SF12 mental 84.4 vs 85.7, p = .63).

CONCLUSION

Surgical repair for anterior shoulder instability and a coexisting SLAP lesion yields clinical results as good as those of isolated ABR, as evidenced by similar PROM and re-dislocation rates after medium-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Anterior mid-portion capsular tear with Bankart lesion in recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation: outcome report and bone defect evaluation

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to report the incidence of anterior mid-portion capsular tears identified during arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), the clinical outcomes of repairing this combined lesion, and to evaluate the associated bone defects.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients undergoing ABR between January 2014 and December 2017. Data from patients with capsular tears identified during ABR were included and analyzed. Age, number of dislocations, repair technique, follow-up results, and X-rays were reviewed. The size of the glenoid defect and Hill-Sachs lesion were reviewed via magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA).

RESULTS

Records of 95 patients undergoing ABR during the study period were reviewed, and nine were included. The overall incidence of capsular tears was 9.5% and the mean age at surgery was 45.3 ± 14.3 years. All cases had > 3 dislocations before treatment. All patients had labral lesions, and one had a glenoid defect. Hill-Sachs lesions were observed in eight patients. Seven patients underwent MRA examination, and all seven showed axillary pouch disruption. Over 3.9 ± 1.1 years of follow-up, there was no instability recurrence, and Rowe scores improved from 42.2 to 96.7 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no recurrent shoulder instability after combined arthroscopic repair of capsular and Bankart lesions. There were Rowe score improvements over at least three years of follow-up. Although our case number was small, we found that mid-portion capsular tear occurred in patients over 30 years with multiple recurrent dislocations, with or without small glenoid bone defects, and with axillary pouch disruption on MRA images.

Remplissage for Anterior Shoulder Instability: History, Indications, and Outcomes

Remplissage is a nonanatomic capsulotenodesis of the infraspinatus tendon used to fill engaging or "off-track" Hill-Sachs lesions in patients at high risk of recurrent instability with isolated Bankart repair. Indications for remplissage are expanding, as the importance of subcritical bone loss and the glenoid track on patient outcomes and recurrence rates continues to be investigated. Remplissage is also suggested in patients at high risk of recurrent instability following isolated anterior labral repair, such as collision and contact athletes with Hill-Sachs lesions that have not reached the threshold of "off track." Multiple arthroscopic remplissage techniques exist including, more recently, knotless techniques.

Evaluating Bone Loss in Anterior Shoulder Instability

Anterior shoulder instability is a common orthopaedic condition that often involves damage to the bony architecture of the glenohumeral joint in addition to the capsulolabral complex. Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations are at increased risk for glenohumeral bone loss, as each instability event leads to the accumulation of additional glenoid and/or humeral head bone defects. Depending on the degree of bone loss, successful treatment may need to address bony lesions in addition to injured soft-tissue structures. As such, a thorough understanding of methods for evaluating bone loss preoperatively, in terms of location, size, and significance, is essential. Although numerous imaging modalities can be used, three-dimensional imaging has proven particularly useful and is now an integral component of preoperative planning.

Postoperative Pain and Paresthesia in Labral Repairs of the Shoulder: Location Does Matter

Background:

Favorable outcomes have been reported regarding postoperative shoulder pain and function after repair of anteroinferior (Bankart) glenohumeral labral tears. However, the outcomes of patients after repair of isolated superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears are a contentious topic. The authors have also anecdotally noted that patients evaluated with labral tears complained of numbness and tingling in their ipsilateral hand.

Purpose:

To determine if there is a difference in the temporal outcomes of shoulder pain and hand paresthesia in patients with SLAP tears versus Bankart tears after arthroscopic repair.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 66 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic labral repair at a single institution between August 2018 and February 2021. The prevalence and magnitude of shoulder pain as well as numbness and tingling of the hand were assessed using questions from the L’Insalata Shoulder Questionnaire and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire preoperatively and at 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery.

Results:

Preoperatively, patients with SLAP lesions reported a higher prevalence of shoulder pain during sleep compared with those with Bankart tears (P < .05). Postoperatively, patients who underwent SLAP repair reported a larger proportion and more severe magnitude of shoulder pain during rest, overhead activities, and sleep compared with those who underwent Bankart repair (P < .05). Only patients who underwent Bankart repair reported improvements in the prevalence and magnitude of their shoulder pain during rest, overhead activities, and sleep by 6 months postoperatively compared with preoperative levels (P < .05). Preoperatively, 30% of patients with Bankart repairs and 40% of patients with SLAP repairs reported hand tingling, while 35% and 50%, respectively, reported hand numbness. The prevalence and magnitude of hand tingling and numbness were not significantly different between groups at any time point.

Conclusion:

Study results indicated that patients who underwent SLAP repair experienced worse shoulder pain outcomes compared with those who underwent Bankart repair using the same anchor and surgical technique. Only patients who underwent Bankart repair reported improvements in their hand numbness after surgery. Therefore, labral tear location does matter with respect to shoulder pain and hand numbness.

Shoulder Arthroscopy in Conjunction With an Open Latarjet Procedure Can Identify Pathology That May Not Be Accounted for With Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose

To review arthroscopic findings at the time of open Latarjet procedures to determine whether preoperative magnetic resonance imaging reports (MRRs) correlate with arthroscopic findings, as well as whether the arthroscopic findings critically affected surgical interventions performed at the time of a Latarjet procedure.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series of all patients who received a Latarjet procedure between 2006 and 2018. Patients were excluded if they had inadequate records or underwent revision of a bony reconstruction procedure. Both primary Latarjet procedures and Latarjet procedures for revision of a failed arthroscopic procedure were included. MRRs, arthroscopic findings, and diagnoses were collected, and differences were noted. A “critical difference” was one that affected the surgical intervention in a significantly anatomic or procedural fashion or that affected rehabilitation.

Results

In total, 154 of 186 patients (83%) were included. Of these, 96 of 154 (62%) underwent revision Latarjet procedures. The average bone loss percentage reported was 20.6% (range, 0%-40%). A critical difference between MRR and arthroscopic findings was noted in 60 of 154 patients (39%), with no difference between Latarjet procedures and revision Latarjet procedures. Of 154 patients, 29 (19%) received an additional 52 intra-articular procedures for diagnoses not made on magnetic resonance imaging, with no difference between primary and revision procedures. This included biceps and/or SLAP pathology requiring a tenodesis, debridement, or repair; rotator cuff pathology requiring debridement or repair; complex (>180°) labral tears requiring repair; loose bodies; and chondral damage requiring debridement or microfracture. Patients undergoing revision Latarjet procedures were less likely to have bone loss mentioned or quantified in the MRR.

Conclusions

Diagnostic imaging may not reliably correlate with diagnostic arthroscopic findings at the time of a Latarjet procedure from both a bony perspective and a soft-tissue perspective. In this series, diagnostic arthroscopy affected the surgical plan in addition to the Latarjet procedure in 19% of cases. We recommend performing a diagnostic arthroscopy prior to all Latarjet procedures to identify and/or treat all associated intra-articular shoulder pathologies.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, diagnostic case series.

A review of bone grafting techniques for glenoid reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations can cause bony defects of the anterior glenoid rim and are often associated with recurrent shoulder instability. For large glenoid defects of 20-30% without a mobile bony fragment, glenoid reconstruction with bone grafts is often recommended. This review describes two broad categories of glenoid reconstruction procedures found in literature: coracoid transfers involving the Bristow and Latarjet procedures, and free bone grafting techniques.

METHODS

An electronic search of MEDLINE and PubMed was conducted to find original articles that described glenoid reconstruction techniques or modifications to existing techniques.

RESULTS

Coracoid transfers involve the Bristow and Latarjet procedures. Modifications to these procedures such as arthroscopic execution, method of graft attachment and orientation have been described. Free bone grafts have been obtained from the iliac crest, distal tibia, acromion, distal clavicle and femoral condyle.

CONCLUSION

Both coracoid transfers and free bone grafting procedures are options for reconstructing large bony defects of the anterior glenoid rim and have had similar clinical outcomes. Free bone grafts may offer greater flexibility in graft shaping and choice of graft size depending on the bone stock chosen. Novel developments tend towards minimising invasiveness using arthroscopic approaches and examining alternative non-rigid graft fixation techniques.

[Research progress on the relationship between shoulder instability and superior labrum anterior posterior lesion]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the relationship between shoulder instability and superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesion.

METHODS

The characteristics of shoulder instability and SLAP lesion were analyzed, and the relationship between them in pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, and biomechanics was discussed by referring to relevant domestic and foreign literature.

RESULTS

Shoulder instability and SLAP lesion can occur both spontaneously and respectively. SLAP lesion destroys the superior labrum integrity and the long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) insertion, causing excessive humeral head displacement against glenoid, and leading to shoulder instability. While chronic repetitive or acute high-energy traumatic shoulder instability can in turn aggravate SLAP lesion, resulting in expansion and increased degree of the original lesion.

CONCLUSION

SLAP lesion destroys mechanisms of shoulder stability, while shoulder instability causes tears of the upper labrum and the LHBT, showing a connection between shoulder instability and SLAP lesion. However, the existing evidence can only demonstrate that shoulder instability and SLAP lesion induce and promote the development of each other, instead of a necessary and sufficient condition. Therefore, the specific causal relationship between the two remains unknown and needs to be further studied.

Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament: Diagnosis and Management

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The most common type of humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is a purely ligamentous avulsion involving the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL), but other variants are seen, including posterior lesions and those with an osseous avulsion.

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A central lesion between the intact anterior and posterior bands of the IGHL is gaining recognition as a distinct clinical entity.

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HAGL lesions are most commonly seen in patients with anterior instability without a Bankart tear or in those with persistent symptoms despite having undergone a Bankart repair.

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Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive imaging modality. An arthrogram is helpful with subacute and chronic lesions when the joint is not distended. Arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis.

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While some have reported success with nonoperative management, surgical repair with either arthroscopic or open techniques has provided a high rate of successful outcomes; however, the literature is limited to mostly Level-IV and V evidence.

Arthroscopy Limits on Anterior Shoulder Instability

Much is discussed about the limits of the treatment of anterior shoulder instability by arthroscopy. The advance in understanding the biomechanical repercussions of bipolar lesions on shoulder stability, as well as in the identification of factors related to the higher risk of recurrence have helped us to define, more accurately, the limits of arthroscopic repair. We emphasize the importance of differentiation between glenoid bone loss due to erosion (GBLE) and glenoid edge fractures, because the prognosis of treatment differs between these forms of glenoid bone failure. In this context, we understand that there are three types of bone failure: a) bone Bankart (fracture); b) combined; and c) glenoid bone loss due to anterior erosion (GBLE), and we will address the suggested treatment options in each situation. Until recently, the choice of surgical method was basically made by the degree of bone involvement. With the evolution of knowledge, the biomechanics of bipolar lesions and the concept of glenoid track , the cutoff point of critical injury, has been altered with a downward trend. In addition to bone failures or losses, other variables were added and made the decision more complex, but a little more objective. The present update article aims to make a brief review of the anatomy with the main lesions found in instability; to address important details in arthroscopic surgical technique, especially in complex cases, and to bring current evidence on the issues of greatest divergence, seeking to guide the surgeon in decision making.

Associated Pathologies following Luxatio Erecta Humeri: A Retrospective Analysis of 38 Cases

Inferior shoulder dislocation in fixed abduction, also known as luxatio erecta humeri (LEH), is a rare injury with little data available. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate and present our case series of this type of injury with special emphasis on associated pathologies; the secondary aim was to present diagnostic recommendations to detect for potential associated pathologies typically seen with this injury. A total of 38 patients (13 females, average age 72.8 years and 25 males, average age 41.4 years), who have been treated for inferior shoulder dislocation between 1992 and 2020, were included in this study. Associated pathologies after LEH were found in 81% of the cases. Twenty-one of these patients presented with secondary bony pathologies. Six patients revealed rotator cuff injuries diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seven patients exhibited pathological findings at the capsule-ligament complex. Eight patients presented with neurological findings. All neurologic symptoms except one axillary nerve palsy and a radialis paresis dissolved during the follow-up period. Five patients received surgical treatment of the affected shoulder. Inferior shoulder dislocation is a rare condition presenting with a high number of associated injuries. According to the findings of the present study, we want to raised awareness of the high rate of potential secondary shoulder pathologies associated with LEH. Beside a thorough clinical examination and immediate standard radiographs in two planes, we recommend to perform computed tomography scanning and an MRI of the shoulder as soon as possible. In the case of neurologic deficiencies, a determination of nerve conduction should be performed.

Cartilage decisively shapes the glenoid concavity and contributes significantly to shoulder stability

PURPOSE

Glenohumeral joint injuries frequently result in shoulder instability. However, the biomechanical effect of cartilage loss on shoulder stability remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to investigate biomechanically the effect of two severity stages of cartilage loss in different dislocation directions on shoulder stability.

METHODS

Joint dislocation was provoked in 11 human cadaveric glenoids for 7 different directions between 3 o'clock (anterior) and 9 o'clock (posterior). Shoulder stability ratio (SSR) and concavity gradient were assessed in three states: intact, 3 mm and 6 mm simulated cartilage loss. The influence of cartilage loss on SSR and concavity gradient was statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

Both SSR and concavity gradient decreased significantly between intact state and 6 mm cartilage loss in every dislocation direction (p ≤ 0.038), except concavity gradient in 4 o'clock direction. Thereby, anterior-inferior dislocation directions were associated with the highest decrease in both SSR and concavity gradient of up to 59.0% and 49.4%, respectively, being significantly bigger for SSR compared with all other dislocation directions (p ≤ 0.040). Correlations between concavity gradient and SSR for pooled dislocation directions were significant in each separate specimen's state (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

From a biomechanical perspective, articular cartilage of the glenoid contributes significantly to the concavity gradient, correlating strongly with the associated loss in glenohumeral joint stability. The biggest effect of cartilage loss is observed in the most frequently occurring anterior-inferior dislocation directions, suggesting that surgical interventions to restore cartilage's surface and concavity should be considered for recurrent shoulder dislocations in presence of cartilage loss.

Virtual non-contrast images calculated from dual-energy CT shoulder arthrography improve the detection of intraarticular loose bodies

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the image quality of virtual non-contrast (VNC) images calculated from dual-energy CT shoulder arthrography (DECT-A) and their ability to detect periosteal calcifications and intraarticular loose bodies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 129 shoulders of 123 patients, DECT arthrography (80 kV/140 kV) was performed with diluted iodinated contrast material (80 mg/ml). VNC images were calculated with image postprocessing. VNC image quality (1 = worst, 5 = best), dose parameters, and CT numbers (intraarticular iodine, muscle, VNC joint fluid density) were assessed. Image contrast (iodine/muscle) and percentage of iodine removal were calculated. Two independent readers evaluated VNC and DECT-A images for periosteal calcifications and intraarticular loose bodies, and diagnostic confidence (1 = low, 4 = very high) was assessed.

RESULTS

VNC images (129/129) were of good quality (median 4 (3-4)), and the mean effective dose of DECT-A scans was 2.21 mSv (± 1.0 mSv). CT numbers of iodine, muscle, and VNC joint fluid density were mean 1017.6 HU (± 251.6 HU), 64.6 HU (± 8.2 HU), and 85.3 HU (± 39.5 HU), respectively. Image contrast was mean 953.1 HU (± 251 HU) on DECT-A and 31.3 HU (± 32.3 HU) on VNC images. Iodine removal on VNC images was 91% on average. No difference was observed in the detection of periosteal calcifications between VNC (n = 25) and DECT-A images (n = 21) (p = 0.29), while the detection of intraarticular loose bodies was superior on VNC images (14 vs. 7; p = 0.02). Diagnostic confidence was higher on VNC images for both periosteal calcifications (median 3 (3-3) vs. 3 (3-3); p = 0.009) and intraarticular loose bodies (median 3 (3-4) vs. 3 (3-3); p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

VNC images from DECT shoulder arthrography are superior to DECT-A images for the detection of intraarticular loose bodies and increase the confidence in detecting periosteal calcifications.