Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Bone Block Technique for Anteroinferior Instability With Critical Bone Loss

Abstract

Arthroscopic distal clavicle autograft represents a locally available source of autograft for bone block augmentation in patients with anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Anatomic and biomechanical studies have supported distal clavicle autograft use as comparable to coracoid graft with regard to restoration of glenoid articular surface, with the theoretical advantage of minimizing complications associated with coracoid transfer procedures, such as neurologic injury and coracoid fracture. The current technique describes a modification of those previously described, including a mini-open approach for distal clavicle autograft harvest, orientation of the distal clavicle with the medial clavicle graft against the glenoid (congruent arc), an all-arthroscopic technique of graft passage, and graft placement and fixation using specialized drill guides and four suture buttons to reproducibly place and secure the graft with final capsulolabral advancement over the graft to render it extra-articular.