Extra-articular Soft Arthroscopic Latarjet Technique: More Versatility and Closer Reproducibility of Classic Latarjet Procedure than Its Intra-articular Counterpart

Abstract

The recent innovative concept of dynamic anterior stabilization of the shoulder by long head of biceps tendon for anterior gleno-humeral instability management has gained growing popularity among shoulder surgeons. Different techniques using this concept have been reported. Nevertheless, these techniques share common steps of tenotomy, re-routing, trans-subscapularis transfer and bony glenoid fixation of long head of biceps. Lately, a simplified procedure of intra-articular soft arthroscopic Latarjet technique has been introduced to refer to soft tissue tenodesis of long head of biceps to subscapularis tendon by 2 simple stitches of nonabsorbable sutures following Bankart repair. For more technical simplicity and closer reproducibility of gleno-humeral restabilization mechanisms of Latarjet procedure; the current Technical Note describes the extra-articular soft arthroscopic Latarjet technique, whereby long head of biceps is retrieved to the subpectoral region following intra-articular tenotomy; whip-stitched; rerouted deep to pectoralis major; and passed within subscapularis window into the gleno-humeral joint, where it is sutured over itself around upper subscapularis tendon. The currently reported technique offers potential advantages of versatility, steep learning curve, low cost (no hardware), feasibility of concurrent gleno-humeral restabilization procedures, and technical easiness of revision management; however; it is nonanatomic and should be biomechanically and clinically investigated to validate its long-term versatile utility.