High Incidence of Combined and Posterior Labral Tears in Military Patients With Operative Shoulder Instability

Location of Shoulder Glenoid Labral Tears: A Study of 1763 Consecutive Patients

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder labral tearing has historically been considered the most common location of shoulder labral pathology. Recently, smaller studies have reported that posterior labral involvement may be more common than previously recognized.

PURPOSE

To examine the location of surgically repaired labral tears by a single surgeon over a consecutive 23-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 1763 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic or open shoulder labral repair by a single seniorsports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon between April 2000 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients, which included 29806, 29807, 29822, and 29823. Exclusion criteria included isolated shoulder manipulation or glenohumeral joint or labral debridement that did not include repair. Intraoperative glenoid labral tears observed were categorized into 7 broad categories: (1) anterior labral tears, (2) posterior labral tears, (3) superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) type II tears (A, B, or C), (4) SLAP type V tears, (5) SLAP type VIII tears, or (6) circumferential labral tears (combined SLAP, anterior, and posterior labral tear). Shoulders diagnosed with multiple tear patterns (ie, anterior and posterior) were also noted.

RESULTS

During the 23-year period, 1763 patients underwent arthroscopic or open labral repair; they included 1295 male and 468 female patients, ranging in age from 12 to 70 years, with a mean age of 23.2 years and median age of 19 years. Overall, 28.4% of tears involved the anterior labrum, 64.9% involved the posterior labrum, and 59.6% involved the superior labrum. Regarding isolated tears, 9.3% were isolated anterior labral tears, 19.7% were isolated posterior labral tears, 11.5% involved the anterior and posterior labrum, 22.2% were isolated superior (SLAP type II-IV) tears, 3.63% were isolated SLAP type V tears, 29.8% were isolated SLAP type VIII tears, and 4.1% were circumferential tears.

CONCLUSION

Posterior shoulder labral tearing was more common than anterior tearing in a large consecutive series of 1763 patients who underwent surgical repair. This highlights the importance of posterior labral pathology, which sometimes may be overlooked because of more vague complaints, with pain and loss of function being the most common.

The Perfect-Circle Technique Demonstrates Poor Inter-Rater Reliability in Measuring Posterior Glenoid Bone Loss on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Purpose

To evaluate the reliability of the "perfect-circle" methodology for measurement of glenoid bone loss with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with posterior glenohumeral instability.

Methods

A prospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic posterior labral repairs in our institution's electronic medical records between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021. Inclusion criteria included isolated posterior shoulder instability with posterior labral repair and corroborated tears on MRI. A total of 9 raters, either sports or shoulder and elbow fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons, each evaluated the affected shoulder MRI scans twice, at over 2 weeks apart. Measurements followed the "perfect-circle" technique and included projected anterior-to-posterior (AP) glenoid diameter, amount of posterior bone loss, and percentage of posterior bone loss.

Results

Ten consecutive patients between the ages of 17 and 46 years with diagnosed posterior glenohumeral instability were selected. The average age was 28 ± 10 years, and 60% of patients were male. The patient's dominant arm was affected in 40%, and 50% of cases involved the right shoulder. The average glenoid diameter was 29.62 ± 3.69 mm, and the average measured bone loss was 2.8 ± 1.74 mm. The average percent posterior glenoid bone loss was 9.41 ± 5.78%. The inter-rater reliability was poor for the AP diameter and for the posterior glenoid bone loss with intraclass correlation coefficients at 0.30 (0.12-0.62) and 0.22 (0.07-0.54) respectively. The intrarater reliability was poor for AP diameter and moderate for posterior glenoid bone loss, with intraclass correlation coefficients at 0.41 (0.22-0.57) and 0.50 (0.33-0.64), respectively.

Conclusions

Using the "perfect-circle" technique for evaluating posterior glenohumeral bone loss has poor-to-moderate inter- and intrarater reliability from MRI.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, prospective diagnostic study.

Outcomes of Concomitant Glenohumeral Stabilization After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Military Patients Younger Than 40 Years

Background

While concomitant rotator cuff and inferior labral tears are relatively uncommon in young civilians, military populations represent a unique opportunity to study this injury pattern.

Purpose

To (1) evaluate the long-term outcomes after combined arthroscopic rotator cuff and inferior labral repair in military patients <40 years and (2) compare functional outcomes with those after isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Military patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between January 2011 and December 2016 and had a minimum of 5-year follow-up data were included in this study. The patients were categorized into those who had undergone combined arthroscopic rotator cuff and inferior labral repair (RCIL cohort) and those who had isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR cohort). Pre- and postoperative outcome measures-visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, Rowe Instability Score, and range of motion-were compared between the groups.

Results

A total of 50 shoulders (27 in the RCIL cohort and 23 in the ARCR cohort) were assessed. The RCIL and ARCR groups were similar in terms of age (mean, 33.19 years [range, 21-39 years] vs 35.39 years [range, 26-39 years], respectively) and sex (% male, 88.46% vs 82.61%, respectively). All patients were active-duty military at the time of surgery. The mean final follow-up was at 106.93 ± 16.66 months for the RCIL group and 105.70 ± 7.52 months for the ARCR group (P = .75). There were no differences in preoperative outcome scores between groups. Postoperatively, both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in all outcome scores (P < .0001 for all), and there were no significant group differences in any final postoperative outcome measures. At the final follow-up, 26 (96.30%) patients in the RCIL cohort and 20 (86.96%) in the ARCR cohort had returned to unrestricted active-duty military service (P = .3223).

Conclusion

The study findings indicate that concomitant glenohumeral stabilization does not prevent worse outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in this military cohort. Combined repair produced statistically and clinically significant improvements in outcome scores at the long-term follow-up, indicating that simultaneous repair of combined lesions was an appropriate treatment option in this patient population.

Occult, Incomplete, and Complete Posterior Labral Tears Without Glenohumeral Instability on Imaging Underestimate Labral Detachment

PURPOSE

To introduce a classification of posterior labral tear and describe clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) findings, arthroscopic findings, and outcomes after arthroscopic repair for patients with posterior labral tears without glenohumeral instability.

METHODS

Sixty patients with posterior labral tear who underwent arthroscopic repair were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with shoulder instability were excluded. Tear patterns were classified into 3 types; occult (type 1), incomplete (type 2), and complete (type 3) based on MRI/MRA studies. A visual analog scale score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score for satisfaction, and return to sports were evaluated at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Computed tomography arthrography was performed at a year follow-up for assess labral healing. The diagnosis was confirmed in arthroscopy, and arthroscopic labral repair without capsular plication was performed.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 30.4 ± 6.9 years, and all patients were male. Forty-four patients (73.3%) were participating in sports. MRI/MRA studies identified 10 patients with type 1, 18 with type 2, and 32 with type 3 tears. Type 1 tear patients showed a significantly longer symptom duration than those with type 3 (32.5 ± 17.2 vs 18.2 ± 17.1 months; P = .015). In arthroscopic findings, 70% of type 1 tear was confirmed as incomplete or complete tears. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 79.6 ± 10.3 to 98.1 ± 3.7, and pain was relieved from 2.4 ± 0.7 to 0.2 ± 0.5 at the last follow-up visit with high labral healing rate (95%). Thirty-nine (88.6%) patients returned to sports at preinjury levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In active young men with shoulder pain during daily activities or sports despite programmed conservative treatment, posterior labral tears should be considered even when MRI/MRA findings are ambiguous. Arthroscopic posterior labral repair without capsular plication provided satisfactory clinical outcomes and a high labral healing rate.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level Ⅳ, case series.

Establishing the Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Substantial Clinical Benefit, and Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State After Arthroscopic Posterior Labral Repair for Posterior Glenohumeral Instability

BACKGROUND

Posterior glenohumeral instability is an increasingly recognized cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction among young, active populations. Outcomes after posterior stabilization procedures are commonly assessed using patient-reported outcome measures including the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), the Rowe instability score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The clinical significance thresholds for these measures after arthroscopic posterior labral repair (aPLR), however, remain undefined.

PURPOSE

We aimed to define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the SANE, Rowe score, and ASES score as well as the VAS pain after aPLR. Additionally, we sought to determine preoperative factors predictive of reaching, as well as failing to reach, clinical significance.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of patient-reported outcome scores collected from patients who underwent aPLR between January 2011 and December 2018. To determine the clinically significant threshold that corresponded to achieving a meaningful outcome, the MCID, SCB, and PASS were calculated for the SANE, Rowe score, ASES score, and VAS pain utilizing either an anchor- or distribution-based method. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with achieving, or not achieving, the MCID, SCB, and PASS.

RESULTS

A total of 73 patients with a mean follow-up of 82.55 ± 24.20 months were available for final analysis. MCID, SCB, and PASS values for the VAS pain were 1.10, 6, and 3, respectively; for the ASES score were 7.8, 34, and 80, respectively; for the SANE were 10.15, 33, and 85, respectively; and for the Rowe score were 11.3, 60, and 90, respectively. To meet the MCID, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.1639; P = .0293) was found to be a positive predictor for the VAS pain, and a lower preoperative SANE score (OR, 0.9939; P = .0003) was found to be a negative predictor for the SANE. Dominant arm involvement was associated with lower odds of achieving the PASS for the ASES score (OR, 0.7834; P = .0259) and VAS pain (OR, 0.7887; P = .0436). Patients who reported a history of shoulder trauma were more likely to reach the PASS for the SANE (OR, 1.3501; P = .0089), Rowe score (OR, 1.3938; P = .0052), and VAS pain (OR, 1.3507; P = .0104) as well as the SCB for the ASES score (OR, 1.2642; P = .0469) and SANE (OR, 1.2554; P = .0444). A higher preoperative VAS pain score was associated with higher odds of achieving the SCB for both the VAS pain (OR, 1.1653; P = .0110) and Rowe score (OR, 1.1282; P = .0175). Lastly, concomitant biceps tenodesis was associated with greater odds of achieving the SCB for the ASES score (OR, 1.3490; P = .0130) and reaching the PASS for the SANE (OR, 1.3825; P = .0038) and Rowe score (OR, 1.4040; P = .0035).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this study is the first to define the MCID, SCB, and PASS for the ASES score, Rowe score, SANE, and VAS pain in patients undergoing aPLR. Furthermore, we found that patients who reported a history of shoulder trauma and those who underwent concomitant biceps tenodesis demonstrated a greater likelihood of achieving clinical significance. Dominant arm involvement was associated with lower odds of achieving clinical significance.

Editorial Commentary: Patients May Have Posterior Glenoid Labral Tears in the Absence of Instability or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings

Posterior labral tears occur more often than imagined 25 years ago. Although such tears are generally identified in patients with posterior shoulder instability, the spectrum of labral tears in patients without instability creates a challenging diagnosis. Both physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging interpretation are difficult. Pathology encompassing posterior labral tears without instability notably reveals differences compared with throwers with posterior labral tears and patients with posterior instability. Recent research has identified 3 tear types: occult (type 1), incomplete (type 2), and complete (type 3). Attention to diagnosis deserves critical attention, in addition to tailoring of repair techniques to address the appropriate conditions in the shoulder. Even in patients without posterior instability and with ambiguous magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance arthrography findings, posterior shoulder pain during daily activities or sports may indicate a posterior labral tear. Arthroscopic posterior labral repair without capsular plication provides good clinical outcomes and high rates of return to sport and labral healing.

Concomitant Biceps Tenodesis Does Not Portend Inferior Outcomes After Anterior Glenohumeral Stabilization

BACKGROUND

Military patients are known to suffer disproportionately high rates of glenohumeral instability as well as superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. Additionally, a concomitant SLAP tear is frequently observed in patients with anterior shoulder instability. Even though biceps tenodesis has been demonstrated to produce superior outcomes to SLAP repair in military patients with isolated SLAP lesions, no existing studies have reported on outcomes after simultaneous tenodesis and anterior labral repair in patients with co-existing abnormalities.

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes after simultaneous arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair in military patients younger than 40 years. We also sought to compare these outcomes with those after repair of an isolated anterior labral tear.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of all military patients younger than 40 years from a single base who underwent arthroscopic anterior glenohumeral stabilization with or without concomitant biceps tenodesis between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients with glenoid bone loss of >13.5% were not eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Rowe instability score, and range of motion were administered preoperatively and postoperatively, and scores were compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty service members at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 87.75 ± 27.05 months in the repair + tenodesis group and 94.07 ± 28.72 months in the isolated repair group (P = .3085). Patients who underwent repair + tenodesis had significantly worse preoperative VAS pain (6.85 ± 1.86 vs 5.02 ± 2.07, respectively; P < .001), ASES (51.78 ± 11.89 vs 62.43 ± 12.35, respectively; P = .0002), and Rowe (26.75 ± 7.81 vs 37.26 ± 14.91, respectively; P = .0002) scores than patients who underwent isolated repair. Both groups experienced significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively (P < .0001 for all), and there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcome scores or range of motion between groups. There were no differences in the percentage of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state for the VAS pain, SANE, ASES, and Rowe scores between groups. Overall, 37 of the 40 (92.50%) patients in the repair + tenodesis group and 40 of the 42 (95.24%) patients in the isolated repair group returned to unrestricted active-duty military service (P = .6045). In addition, 38 (95.00%) patients in the repair + tenodesis group and 40 (95.24%) patients in the isolated repair group returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity (P = .9600). There were no significant differences in the number of failures, revision surgical procedures, or patients discharged from the military between groups (P = .9421, P = .9400, and P = .6045, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study indicate that simultaneous biceps tenodesis and labral repair was a viable treatment option for the management of concomitant SLAP and anterior labral lesions in young, active military patients younger than 40 years.

Risk Factors for Glenoid Bone Loss in the Setting of Posterior Glenohumeral Instability

Background

Posterior instability has been reported to account for up to 24% of cases of shoulder instability in certain active populations. However, there is a paucity of data available regarding the risk factors associated with posterior glenoid bone loss.

Purpose

To characterize the epidemiology of, and risk factors associated with, glenoid bone loss within a cohort of patients who underwent primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for isolated posterior-type glenohumeral instability.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for posterior-type instability between January 2011 and December 2019. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms were used to calculate posterior glenoid bone loss using a perfect circle technique. Patient characteristics and revision rates were obtained. Bone loss (both in millimeters and as a percentage) was compared between patients based on sex, age, arm dominance, sports participation, time to surgery, glenoid version, history of trauma, and number of anchors used for labral repair.

Results

Included were 112 patients with a mean age of 28.66 ± 10.07 years; 91 patients (81.25%) were found to have measurable bone loss. The mean bone loss was 2.46 ± 1.68 mm (8.98% ± 6.12%). Significantly greater bone loss was found in athletes versus nonathletes (10.09% ± 6.86 vs 7.44% ± 4.56; P = .0232), female versus male patients (11.17% ± 6.53 vs 8.17% ± 5.80; P = .0212), and patients dominant arm involvement versus nondominant arm involvement (10.26% ± 5.63 vs 7.07% ± 6.38; P = .0064). Multivariate regression analysis identified dominant arm involvement as an independent risk factor for bone loss (P = .0033), and dominant arm involvement (P = .0024) and athlete status (P = .0133) as risk factors for bone loss >13.5%. At the conclusion of the study period, 7 patients had experienced recurrent instability (6.25%).

Conclusion

The findings of this study are in alignment with existing data suggesting that posterior glenoid bone loss is highly prevalent in patients undergoing primary arthroscopic stabilization for posterior-type shoulder instability. Our results suggest that patients with dominant arm involvement are at risk for greater posterior glenoid bone loss. Athlete status and dominant arm involvement were identified as independent risk factors for bone loss >13.5%.

The influence of posterior acromial morphology on outcomes and return to pushups in young patients undergoing arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair

Background

Prior evidence has identified specific posterior acromial morphology as significantly associated with unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of posterior acromial morphology on the outcomes of arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair (APCLR) for unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. Additionally, we sought to determine the influence of posterior acromial morphology on the rate and time to return to pushups following APCLR.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data. The study included consecutive patients undergoing APCLR. Data collected included demographics, radiographic measurements including posterior acromial height (PAH) and posterior acromial tilt on preoperative scapular-Y radiographs, and patient-reported outcome measures at the preoperative and postoperative visits. In addition, starting at 6 months postoperative, patients were asked if they could perform pushups defined as at least 10 repetitions. At the final follow-up, we collected the number of pushups patients were able to perform.

Results

Thirty-two consecutive patients underwent APCLR with a mean follow-up of 26 months (range, 12-41). Significant improvement from preoperative to 2 years postoperative was demonstrated in Subjective Shoulder Value (50-85), VAS (6-2.5), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (48 to 83), and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) (1437-777), P = .001. The recurrent instability rate was 3/32 (9%). Patients with PAH > 23 (N = 17) had a recurrent instability rate of 18% (3/17) versus PAH ≤ 23 (N = 15) 0% (0/15), worse WOSI scores (P = .41), and a lower number of pushups (P = .48). The percentage of patients reporting the ability to perform pushups was (6 months/1 year/2 years) (50%/78%/95%). The mean number of pushups reported at the final follow-up was 33 (range, 1-60).

Discussion

Following APCLR, approximately 50% of patients resume pushups at 6 months postoperatively, and 80% return at 1 year. Patients reported performing a mean of 33 pushups following APCLR at the final follow-up. Patients with a PAH greater than 23 on preoperative scapular-Y radiographs had a higher rate of recurrent posterior instability, worse WOSI scores, and lower return to pushups; however, the results did not meet statistical significance. Therefore, future larger studies are needed to determine if posterior acromial morphology is independently associated with worse outcomes and increased recurrent instability rates following APCLR.

Outcomes After Revision Posterior Shoulder Capsulolabral Repair in Adolescent Athletes

Background

Few studies have evaluated the outcomes of posterior arthroscopic capsulolabral repair in adolescents, especially with regard to outcomes after revision repair.

Hypothesis

Adolescent athletes who undergo revision arthroscopic posterior unidirectional capsulolabral repair will have similar outcomes and return to play when compared with adolescent athletes who underwent primary arthroscopic posterior unidirectional capsulolabral repair.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Data were reviewed from patients who underwent posterior shoulder stabilization between 2000 and 2019 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients <11 and >19 years of age and those with multidirectional instability were excluded. Revision surgery was defined as repeat arthroscopic posterior capsular repair. The ability to return to sport (and level of sport), clinical outcomes scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and visual analog scale for pain), and patient-reported perception of range of motion, strength, and satisfaction were recorded. Comparisons between the primary and revision cohorts were made using the chi-square or the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Included were 180 adolescent patients (182 shoulders) who underwent a primary unidirectional posterior stabilization, with an average follow-up of 6.1 years. Of these patients, 17 patients required revision surgery (9.3% revision rate). At the final follow-up, patients who underwent revision surgery returned to sport at similar rates to those who did not (70.6% vs 85.9%; P = .095) and were similarly likely to return to their presurgery level of play (41.1% vs 23.7%; P = .10). The no-revision patients had higher ASES scores (76.1 vs 87.1; P = .007) as well as less pain and improved subjective range of motion scores. However, both groups had similar subjective strength scores, and both reported that surgical repair was satisfactory (no revision, 93.2% vs revision, 88.2%; P = .45).

Conclusion

Adolescent athletes had a low risk of revision surgery and frequently returned to play after arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair, often at a lower level of play. Those who required revision surgery had poorer outcome scores but still reported a high rate of satisfaction.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Glenoid Bone Loss in Combined Shoulder Instability in Young, Active-Duty Military Patients

Background

US military servicemembers experience higher rates of posterior and combined-type instability as compared with their nonmilitary peers.

Purpose

(1) To determine the prevalence of glenoid bone loss (GBL) in young, active-duty military patients with combined-type shoulder instability who underwent operative shoulder stabilization; (2) to evaluate whether GBL is associated with differences in postoperative outcomes; and (3) to identify factors associated with larger defects.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

This study included active-duty military patients who underwent primary surgical shoulder stabilization for combined anterior and posterior capsulolabral tears between January 2012 and December 2018. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms were used to calculate anterior, posterior, and total GBL using the "perfect circle" technique. We recorded patient characteristics, revisions, complications, return to duty, range of motion, and scores on multiple outcome measures (visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Rowe). GBL prevalence was compared by time to surgery, glenoid version, history of trauma, and number of anchors used for labral repair. Outcome scores, return to active duty, and revision procedures were compared by degree of anterior or posterior GBL: <13.5% (mild) versus ≥13.5% (subcritical).

Results

GBL was noted in 28 (77.8%) of the 36 patients. Nineteen (52.8%) patients had anterior GBL, 18 (50.0%) had posterior, and 9 (25.0%) had combined. Four (11.1%) patients had subcritical anterior or posterior GBL. Increased posterior GBL was associated with history of trauma (P = .041), time to surgery >12 months (P = .024), and glenoid retroversion ≥9° (P = .010); increased total GBL was associated with longer time to surgery (P = .023) and labral repair requiring >4 anchors (P = .012); and increased anterior GBL was associated with labral repair requiring >4 anchors (P = .011). There were statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures, with no changes in range of motion postoperatively. No significant difference on any outcome score was observed between patients with mild and subcritical GBL.

Conclusion

In our analysis, 78% of patients had appreciable GBL, suggesting that GBL is highly prevalent in this patient population. Longer time to surgery, traumatic cause, significant glenoid retroversion, and large labral tears were identified as risk factors for increased GBL.

Diagnosis of Posterior and Combined-Type Shoulder Instability: A 10-Year Cross-sectional Study From a Single Military Base

Background

Large variations exist in the reported frequency and etiology of posterior and combined shoulder instability in the active-duty military population.

Purpose

To compare imaging and clinical examination findings as well as reoperation rates between active-duty military patients who underwent surgery for anterior, posterior, and combined-type shoulder instability.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated surgically for shoulder instability from a single military base from January 2010 to December 2019. Each case was characterized as isolated anterior, isolated posterior, or combined, according to arthroscopic findings. Information was collected on patient characteristics, history of trauma, time to surgery, associated pathological findings, and survivorship at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Results

Overall, 416 patients (n = 394 men; n = 22 women), with a mean age of 29.1 years, underwent primary shoulder stabilization surgery during the study period. There were 158 patients (38%) with isolated anterior instability, 139 (33%) with isolated posterior instability, and 119 (29%) with combined instability. A history of trauma was more prevalent with isolated anterior instability (129 [81.7%]) than with either isolated posterior (95 [68.4%]) or combined instability (73 [61.3%]) (P = .047 and P = .001, respectively). Patients with anterior instability were significantly more likely to be diagnosed on the preoperative physical examination when compared with patients with posterior instability (93% vs 79.1%; P < .001) or combined instability (93% vs 75.6%; P < .001) and were also more likely to have a discrete labral tear detected on a preoperative magnetic resonance arthrogram than patients with posterior instability (82.9% vs 63.3%; P < .001). There was no significant difference in the rate of medical discharge or recurrent instability requiring reoperation between groups.

Conclusion

The study findings indicated that young, active-duty military patients are at increased risk for isolated posterior and combined-type shoulder instability, with posterior and combined instability collectively accounting for over 60% of instability cases in this cohort. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of instability when evaluating and treating young, active-duty military patients with shoulder pain, even in the absence of diagnostic physical examinations or imaging findings.

Outcomes of Revision Arthroscopic Posterior Labral Repair and Capsulorrhaphy: A Systematic Review

Background

Failure rates up to 14% have been reported after arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair. It is unknown if revision arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral stabilization has inferior restoration of stability and return to sport when compared with primary repair. Optimal management of failed posterior capsulolabral stabilization is unknown.

Purpose

To report outcomes of revision posterior capsulolabral repair and factors that contribute to failure and to determine optimal management of failed posterior stabilization procedures.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A computerized search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases and manual screening of selected article reference lists were performed in January 2022. Randomized controlled trial, cohort, case-control, and case series studies reporting clinical outcomes of revision arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repair were eligible. Patient characteristics, indications for revision, intraoperative findings, surgical techniques, and patient-reported outcomes were recorded. Owing to heterogeneity of reported outcomes, data were summarized and presented without pooled statistics.

Results

Only 3 of the 990 identified studies met inclusion criteria. The included studies encompassed 26 revision arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral repairs, with follow-up ranging from 2.3 to 5.3 years. The failed index procedure was arthroscopic capsulolabral repair with suture anchors (n = 22) or posterior thermal capsulorrhaphy (n = 4). The primary indications for revision were recurrent instability and pain. Six patients experienced recurrent instability after revision. Patient satisfaction ranged from 15% to 25%.

Conclusion

This systematic review of 3 studies demonstrated that the incidence of persistent pain and recurrent instability after revision arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization is common, and despite slight improvement in patient-reported outcomes, many patients are dissatisfied with their clinical outcomes. Revision arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization appears to have a significant failure rate, and there is need for additional prospective studies to help determine the best intervention for these patients.

Editorial Commentary: Urgency Toward Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Is Essential for Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: You Don't Have to Fix After the First Dislocation, but Definitely Before the Second!

While still hotly debated, primary arthroscopic management of the first-time anterior shoulder dislocation has an extensive list of known benefits: lower overall health care costs, improved patient-reported outcomes, a vast reduction in secondary instability, and higher quality-of-life measures. Yet, despite these meaningful contributions to health care quality, we continue to bypass the predictable success of an acute arthroscopic Bankart repair in order to tempt fate with "a trial" of nonoperative care for our young, high-risk collision athletes. Whether for the in-season athlete, the "early responder" with limited apprehension, subluxations with spontaneous reduction, or those stoically committed to nonsurgical care, we as physicians are often complicit in this shared risk taking and ceremonial weighing of the risks and benefits for treatment options after primary shoulder instability. Even just 1 additional episode of instability recurrence can double (or triple) the rate of glenohumeral bone loss. Furthermore, subsequent anterior shoulder instability compromises subjective shoulder function, heightens risk of secondary recurrence and/or revision, and increases the likelihood of requiring more advanced surgical management, such as with a Latarjet or other anterior bone block procedure. We must maintain a sense of urgency toward surgical treatment, particularly in young, high-demand athletes with persistent instability. To parrot the wisdom of our shoulder mentors, hear my humble plea: you don't have to fix the shoulder after the first anterior dislocation, but you should definitely do it before the second!

Posterior Shoulder Instability in the Military and Athlete: An Evidence and Experience-Based Treatment Approach

Background:

Recognition of posterior glenohumeral instability has increased in young, athletic populations, leading to evolution in operative approaches to management. As with anterior instability surgery, successful treatment for these challenging injuries is dependent on understanding the key principles of pathology and restoration of the functional anatomy.

Indications:

Operative management of posterior glenohumeral instability is indicated for recurrent instability events or persistent pain refractory to physical therapy in the setting of posterior labral pathology with or without bone loss.

Technique:

In this video article, we present our approach to operative management of posterior glenohumeral instability in a young, athletic population, as developed through extensive experience in military and athlete populations and supported by research. Our approach to posterior glenohumeral instability is to restore the functional anatomy of the bone, labrum, and capsuloligamentous static restraints. We consider concomitant pathology and bone loss as components of these restraints that need to be restored to achieve a stable, painless shoulder. Using standard portals and tools, we prepare the glenoid and mobilize the labrum. When present, large osseous lesions can be restored using allograft distal tibia. We then repair and superiorize the inferior labrum, taking care to create a secure buttress against translation by positioning anchors at the edge of the chondral surface and everting the interior flap of tissue. If capsular pathology is present, this is also addressed. In the setting of significant posterior glenoid bone loss, we reconstruct the osseous support with a distal tibial allograft, which we perform arthroscopically and augment with labral repair. Using these techniques, surgeons can expect a low overall failure rate. In our young, highly active population, we observed 17.2% failure by 5 years, although this is dependent on multiple factors including age and bone loss.

Discussion:

Outcomes for posterior glenohumeral instability can be excellent with both nonoperative and operative treatments. When operative intervention is pursued, it is important to critically evaluate the anatomy, place portals considerately, and functionally restore the damaged structures.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests 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.

Anatomic Osteochondral Allograft Reconstruction for Concomitant Large Hill-Sachs and Reverse Hill-Sachs Lesions

Glenohumeral instability causing bipolar bone loss is increasingly being recognized and treated to minimize recurrence. Large Hill-Sachs and reverse Hill-Sachs lesions of the humerus must be addressed at the time of surgery to prevent recurrent dislocations and restore the native anatomic track. For patients with epilepsy, locked dislocations may create defects that must be addressed with bony procedures, including osteochondral allograft reconstruction as soft-tissue remplissage may not adequately addresses the magnitude of the bone loss. Osteochondral allografts have been successfully used to address bony defects ranging from 20% to 30% of humeral bone loss whereas shoulder arthroplasty is indicated for larger defects where the native anatomy can no longer be restored. In this Technical Note, we present a technique to address concomitant large Hill-Sachs and reverse Hill-Sachs lesions.

The O'Brien test demonstrates a higher diagnostic value in identifying posteroinferior labral tears than superior labral anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears

Background

The primary aim was to determine the diagnostic value of the O'Brien test in localizing labral tears of the shoulder.

Methods

A consecutive series of patients electing for labral repair between January 2005 and March 2021 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) any patient with a labral tear who was elected for arthroscopic labral repair and (2) had documentation of the O'Brien test in the preoperative evaluation. Exclusion criteria were patients that had a negative arthrographically enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan. During arthroscopy, the localization and extension of the labral tear was documented in a standardized 12-o'clock configuration. Anteroinferior, posteroinferior, superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP), and combined labral tears were documented. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve were calculated to determine the diagnostic value.

Results

The cohort consisted of 271 patients (77% male) and included 105 anteroinferior, 86 posteroinferior, 46 SLAP, and 32 combined parts of the labrum. The mean age at time of surgery was 30 (±10.2) years. The O'Brien test was positive in 142 (52%) patients and showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the posteroinferior tears (83% and 62%) compared to the anteroinferior (16% and 25%), combined labral parts (69% and 50%), and SLAP (65% and 50%) tears. In addition, receiver operating characteristic-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher area under the curve for posteroinferior tears compared to the other tears (P < .001).

Conclusion

The O'Brien test demonstrates more diagnostic value for posteroinferior tears than other labral tears. This includes the SLAP tear, for which the O'Brien test was originally designed.

Clinical Relevance

These findings are helpful towards reinterpreting the O'Brien test as well as diagnosing, and more specifically localizing labral tears in clinics.