Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Repair Using Distal Tibial Allograft and an Inferior-to-Superior Capsular Shift

Current Evidence and Techniques for Arthroscopic Bone Augmentation

The indications for bone block augmentation of the glenoid following recurrent anterior shoulder instability are expanding. Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) is an evolving technique with similar clinical results to the Latarjet procedure and other open bone block procedures. Multiple types of bone grafts and fixation techniques have been described, with varying results on bony integration, resorption, articular congruity, and recurrence rates. This review focuses on biomechanics, patient workup, indications, current evidence, and the authors' preferred surgical technique for AAGR.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Hardware Removal

Recurrent shoulder instability is associated with bone loss. Distal tibial allograft reconstruction of the glenoid is an accepted technique for managing bone loss. Bone remodeling occurs within the first 2 years postoperatively. This can lead to prominent instrumentation, particularly anteriorly near the subscapularis tendon, causing pain and weakness. We provide a description of arthroscopic instrumentation removal for prominent anterior screws following anatomic glenoid reconstruction with distal tibial allograft.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction in the Unstable Shoulder: Technique, Pearls, and Pitfalls

Background:

Anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss is a complex condition. Bankart repairs have higher failure rate in this population and the Latarjet procedure is associated with a high complication rate (15%-30%). A recent technique, the arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction, safely uses distal tibial allograft to augment the glenoid.

Indications:

Glenoid or bipolar bone loss in the setting of shoulder instability.

Technique Description:

A diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy is performed to assess bone loss and capsulolabral tissue. After the preparation of the anterior glenoid, a bone block harvested from a distal tibial allograft is prepared. This technique uses the Halifax portal, a safe, far medial portal to insert the graft, and compress it onto the anterior glenoid using screws. A Bankart repair is then performed, to reduce the capsulolabral complex onto the glenoid.

Results:

Results at 2 years show a 92% to 100% union of the graft, no recurrence of instability, and improved patient-reported outcome scores. Graft remodeling is regularly observed on postoperative imaging. This procedure may be faster to learn and to perform compared to an arthroscopic Latarjet.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction is a safe, minimally invasive procedure to address shoulder instability. It has low complication rate and is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attest that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Treatment of Failed Latarjet With Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction

PURPOSE

Various methods have been described for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. The incidence of recurrent dislocations following surgical intervention is high and, therefore, necessitates a reliable and replicable revision procedure. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe a method of arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft and screw fixation in the setting of a failed Latarjet procedure with significant glenoid bone loss.

METHODS

We describe in detail patient positioning, portal placement, steps of the diagnostic arthroscopy, and graft preparation using imaging and a detailed intraoperative arthroscopic technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1, Shoulder; Level 2, Instability.