A modification of the McLaughlin procedure for persistent posterior shoulder instability: technical note

Abstract

We describe a modification of the McLaughlin procedure for persistent posterior shoulder instability following posterior glenohumeral dislocation with a large antero-medial reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. In the original McLaughlin description, the subscapularis was divided close to its insertion to the lesser tuberosity and sutured into the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion using bone drill holes. In our newly described technique, the subscapularis tendon is not divided but is instead plicated into the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion using suture anchors inserted in the humeral head defect. We present the case of a patient with persistent posterior instability following traumatic posterior glenohumeral dislocation, successfully treated with our new technique.