Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Research Articles

Innovative Approaches in the Management of Shoulder Instability: Current Concept Review.

This article summarises the latest innovations and concepts in the management of shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss. The management of shoulder instability has undergone significant evolution in the last century with rapid strides being made in the last few decades due to the transition from open to arthroscopic techniques allowing management of pathological entities which were previously untreatable. However, there is no consensus on treatment methods, especially in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The complication profile associated with non-anatomic glenoid bony reconstruction procedures has triggered research for alternate techniques using free bone grafts. Open Latarjet procedure continues to be the gold standard in the face of glenoid bone loss; however, arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction with bone block grafts is gaining in popularity and is associated with excellent short-term clinico-radiologic outcomes. Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using bone grafts has been proposed as an alternative to the complex all-arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with excellent short-term results, minimal complications and a relatively easier learning curve. Capsular reconstruction has emerged as option for the management of instability with poor quality or absent capsular tissue. Future long-term outcome studies and randomised comparative trials will determine if these innovations stand the test of time.

Arthroscopic Glenoid Bone Grafting: Preserving the Subscapularis—A Reproducible Technique

The ideal technique for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss is a topic of debate. Several techniques have been described by the orthopaedic surgeons including bony reconstruction as well as soft tissue repair. The clinical outcomes and complication rate (recurrent instability and graft failure) of these procedures vary significantly. It is believed that arthroscopic anatomic bony reconstruction might be a suitable option for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss. We have discussed the technique of arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft preserving the subscapularis muscle which seems to be very safe with excellent outcome.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction: Analysis of the Learning Curve.

Background:Anatomic glenoid reconstruction involves the use of distal tibial allograft for bony augmentation of the glenoid surface. An all-arthroscopic approach was recently described to avoid damage to the subscapularis tendon and preserve the capsule and labrum.Purpose:To explore and compare change in surgical time between 2 proposed methods used for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability—arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction (AAGR) and arthroscopic Latarjet (AL)—over successive procedures. We also compared graft positioning on the anterior glenoid surface between the 2 methods.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:This was a single-surgeon retrospective review of 54 cases of surgically treated recurrent anterior shoulder instability: 27 had AAGR with distal tibial allograft, while the other 27 had AL. AAGR with the distal tibial allograft was the primary choice for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability; however, AL was performed when tibial allograft was not available from the bone bank. Thus, there was an overlapping period for those 2 procedures. Procedure start and end times were recorded, and duration was calculated. Postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography scans were reviewed, and graft position was judged to be in the lower third (desired position), middle third, or upper third of the anterior glenoid surface. To assess learning, these data were organized in chronological order of surgery, and each surgical cohort was divided into 3 chronological clusters of 9 patients each. Learning was assessed through change in operative time over successive clusters, change in variability of operative time among clusters, and change in graft positioning among clusters. Statistical analysis comprised a 2-tailed independent-sample t test and the Levene test for equality of variance.Results:Our study found that AAGR was significantly faster to perform than AL in the early (P = .001), middle (P = .001), and late (P = .05) clusters of each cohort. Duration of surgery did not significantly improve across clusters within each cohort (P = .15-.79). There were no significant changes in the variability of surgical time in the AAGR group (P = .09) or the AL group (P = .13). Desired positioning of the bone graft on the anterior glenoid surface (lower third) was identified more commonly in the AAGR cohort.Conclusion:AAGR is faster to learn and perform than AL for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss. The current study found higher rates of desired graft positioning for AAGR clusters.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction in Lateral Decubitus Position Using Allograft With Nonrigid Fixation

Recurrent shoulder instability is highly associated with glenoid bone loss. Traditionally, bony procedures to address this bone loss have described nonanatomic, coracoid transfer procedures. More recently, anatomic glenoid reconstruction procedures have been described. These were first described as open procedures, and subsequently there have been several arthroscopic procedures described. We provide a description of an arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction approach with allograft.

The Safety of a Far Medial Arthroscopic Portal for Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction: A Cadaveric Study.

Background:An arthroscopic technique for anatomic glenoid reconstruction has been proposed for the treatment of glenohumeral bone loss in patients with recurrent shoulder instability. This technique is proposed as an alternative to open techniques as well as to the technically challenging arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. In arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction, a distal tibial allograft is inserted through a novel far medial portal, superior to the subscapularis tendon and lateral to the conjoint tendon.Purpose:To evaluate the safety of the far medial arthroscopic portal for anatomic glenoid reconstruction in a cadaveric study.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Ten cadaveric shoulder specimens were dissected after inside-out medial arthroscopic portal insertion in the lateral decubitus position for arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction. A single observer performed 3 measurements on each specimen with a digital caliper (to the nearest 0.1 mm) from the medial portal to neurovascular structures, and the mean (±SD) and the range were calculated. The anthropometric data of the cadaveric specimens were also collected.Results:The mean distances between the far medial arthroscopic portal and sensitive anatomic structures were as follows: 50.79 ± 13.69 mm from the musculocutaneous nerve, 46.28 ± 9.64 mm from the axillary nerve, 6.71 ± 8.52 mm from the cephalic vein, and 48.52 ± 7.22 mm from the subclavian artery and vein. The mean size of the medial arthroscopic portal was 25.60 mm. In all cases, the subscapularis muscle was intact.Conclusion:The far medial arthroscopic portal for anatomic glenoid reconstruction without a subscapularis split presents a minimal risk to most neurovascular structures during bony reconstruction of the glenoid surface in patients with anterior shoulder instability. The only anatomic structure at risk is the cephalic vein, while the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves are at a safe distance away from the portal, based on previous shoulder arthroscopic portal safety studies in the literature.Clinical Relevance:Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft is increasing in popularity for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with significant bone loss. Being a relatively new technique, the safety of it has yet to be established. This study aimed to demonstrate the safety of a new portal used for arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction.

Radiographic Analysis of Glenoid Size and Shape After Arthroscopic Coracoid Autograft Versus Distal Tibial Allograft in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background: The Latarjet procedure for autograft transposition of the coracoid to the anterior rim of the glenoid remains the most common procedure for reconstruction of the glenoid after shoulder instability. The anatomic glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft has gained popularity and is suggested to better match the normal glenoid size and shape. However, concerns about decreased healing and increased resorption arise when an allograft bone is used. Purpose: To use radiological findings to evaluate the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid with respect to the size, shape, healing, and resorption of coracoid autograft versus distal tibial allograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 48 consecutive patients who had an arthroscopic bony reconstruction of the glenoid (12 coracoid autograft, 36 distal tibial allograft), diagnosed anterior shoulder instability, and computed tomography (CT)–confirmed glenoid bone loss more than 20%. Coracoid autograft was performed only when tibial allograft was not accessible from a bone bank. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed pre- and postoperative CT scans at a minimum follow-up of 6 months for the following: graft position, glenoid concavity, cross-sectional area, width, version, total area, osseous union, and graft resorption. Clinical outcome was noted in terms of instability, subluxation, and dislocation at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Simple logistic regression, 2-tailed independent-sample t tests, paired t tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed. Results: Graft union was seen in 9 of the 12 patients (75%) who had coracoid autograft and 34 of the 36 patients (94%) who had tibial allograft (odds ratio, 5.66; 95% CI, 0.81-39.20; P = .08). The odds ratio comparing allograft to coracoid for overall resorption was 7.00 (95% CI, 1.65-29.66; P = .008). Graft resorption ≥50% was seen in 3 (8%) of the patients who had tibial allograft and none of the patients who had coracoid autograft. Graft resorption less than 50% was seen in the majority of patients in both groups: 27 (73%) patients with tibial allograft and 5 (42%) patients with coracoid autograft. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 procedures regarding anteroposterior diameter of graft (P = .81) or graft cross-sectional area (P = .93). However, a significant difference was observed in step formation between the 2 procedures (P < .001). Two patients experienced subluxations in the coracoid group (16%) as well as 2 patients in the tibial allograft group (6%) with a P value of .25. Conclusion: Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction via distal tibial allograft showed similar bony union but higher resorption compared with coracoid autograft. Even so, no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 procedures regarding final graft surface area, the size of grafts, and the anteroposterior dimensions of the reconstructed glenoids. These short-term results suggest that distal tibial allografts can be used as an alternative to coracoid autograft in the recreation of glenoid bony morphologic features.

Radiographic Analysis of Glenoid Morphology after Arthroscopic Latarjet vs Distal Tibial Allograft in the Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability

Objectives:The Latarjet procedure for autograft transposition of coracoid to the anterior rim of the glenoid remains the most common procedure for reconstruction of the glenoid after shoulder instability. The anatomic glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft has gained popularity and is suggested to better match the normal glenoid size and shape. However, there is concern for decreased healing and increased resorption using an allograft bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid with respect to the size, shape, healing, and resorption of autograft coracoid vs allograft distal tibia.Methods:A retrospective review of 50 consecutive patients who had an arthroscopic boney reconstruction of the glenoid (13 coracoid; 37 distal tibial), diagnosed with anterior shoulder instability, and CT confirmed glenoid bone loss >20%. Pre-and post-operative CT scans were reviewed by two fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists for: graft position, glenoid concavity, cross sectional area, width, version, total area, osseous union, and graft resorption.Results:Graft nonunion was seen in 3 (23.07%) of the coracoid patients, and in 2 (5.4%) of the tibial allograft patients (OR 5.25; 95% CI: 0.768-35.89). Odds ratios comparing allograft to coracoid for overall resorption was 5.00 (CI: 1.276-19.597). Graft resorption greater than 50% was seen in 3 (8.11%) of the allografts and was absent within the coracoid patients. Graft resorption lesser than 50% was greater in both groups with 27 (72.97%) allograft and 6 (46.15%) coracoid patients. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two procedures regarding AP diameter of graft (p=0.818) or graft cross sectional area (p=0.797).Conclusion:Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft showed greater boney union but higher resorption compared to coracoid autograft. Even so, there was no statistically significant difference between the two procedures regarding final graft surface area and size of grafts. These short-term results suggest distal tibial allograft as an alternative to coracoid autograft in the recreation of glenoid boney morphology.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Shoulder Instability With Glenoid Bone Loss Using Distal Tibial Allograft Augmentation: Safety Profile and Short-Term Radiological Outcomes.

Background:The results of arthroscopic anterior labral repair have demonstrated high failure rates in patients with significant glenoid bone loss. Several reconstruction procedures using a bone graft have been developed to overcome bone loss.Purpose:The primary objective of this study was to generate a safety profile for arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft. The secondary objective was to evaluate the radiological outcomes of patients who underwent this procedure.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This retrospective review included the medical charts and diagnostic images of 42 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization by means of capsule-labral reattachment and bony augmentation with a distal tibial allograft. The safety profile was measured by detecting intraoperative or postoperative complications, including neurovascular (nerves and blood vessels) injuries, bleeding, infections, and dislocations. A radiological evaluation was conducted by assessing computed tomography (CT) scans obtained preoperatively and at approximately 6 months postoperatively.Results:A total of 42 patients (29 male, 13 female) with a mean age of 26.73 ± 9.01 years were included. An excellent safety profile was observed, with no intraoperative complications, neurovascular injuries, adverse events, bleeding, or infections. CT bone scans were obtained for 31 patients, and the mean follow-up for CT scanning (to measure resorption and union) was 6.31 ± 1.20 months (range, 6-7.5 months). There were no cases of nonunion or partial union. Thirteen patients (42%) had no resorption, whereas 13 (42%) and 5 (16%) patents had <50% and ≥50% resorption, respectively.Conclusion:Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with distal tibial allograft reconstruction is a safe operative procedure with a minimal risk to neurovascular structures. Most patients had a healed allograft, but 16% of patients had ≥50% resorption on CT at 6 months. Studies with a longer follow-up are recommended for better assessment of the safety profile.

Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction: Analysis of the Learning Curve

Objectives:This procedure involves the use of distal tibial bone graft to recreate anterior glenoid bone surface with the goal of preventing further dislocations. Recently, an arthroscopic approach has been proposed for this procedure, which uses a similar technique to the Bankart repair. This approach requires one additional medial portal (4 total), for graft placement, and this is established using an insideout technique; it avoids damage to the subscapularis tendon, and preserves the capsule and labrum. By comparison, the Arthroscopic Latarjet technique requires four additional new portals and requires splitting of the subscapularis tendon, as well as excision of the capsule and labrum. This study seeks to (1) identify a learning curve for this procedure, and (2) compare this to the learning curve for Arthroscopic Latarjet.Methods:Fiftyseven cases of surgically treated recurrent anterior shoulder instability were reviewed. All operations were carried out with the patient in a lateral decubitus position. Twentynine patients were managed with the Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using coracoid bone graft, and 28 were treated with Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction using distal tibial bone graft. Procedure start and stop times were recorded and procedure durations calculated.Results:In the case of Arthroscopic Latarjet, the first 14 cases took an average 184 minutes to perform, with the remaining cases in the cohort averaging 116 minutes each in duration. For Arthroscopic Anatomical Glenoid Reconstruction, the first 14 cases took an average of 90 minutes, with the remaining cases averaging 84 minutes each.Conclusion:Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction is faster to perform compared to the Arthroscopic Latarjet. Further investigations into the safety and efficacy of this procedure will help determine whether it is a better choice for surgeons looking to learn the skill of boney augmentation for recurrent anterior instability.

Arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using an autologous iliac crest bone grafting technique

Open bone block procedures for glenohumeral stabilization have been used for a long time. With the advancement of arthroscopic techniques and the development of sophisticated instruments and implants, the insertion of the bone block can be performed by an all-arthroscopic approach. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results after an arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using an all-arthroscopic, autologous tricortical iliac crest bone grafting technique. Fifteen patients (1 female and 14 male patients; mean age, 31.4 years [range, 17-49 years]) underwent reconstruction of significant glenoid defects in cases of recurrent shoulder instability by the aforementioned technique. The patients were followed up clinically (range of motion, Constant score, Rowe score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index) and radiographically (with true anteroposterior and axillary views, as well as 2-/3-dimensional computed tomography [glenoid configuration, signs of graft resorption, bone consolidation, and glenoid index]). After a mean follow-up period of 20.6 months (range, 12-65 months), the Constant score averaged 85.0 points (range, 73-98 points; contralateral side, 89.6 points [range, 78-96 points]), the Rowe score averaged 88.0 points (range, 65-100 points), the Subjective Shoulder Value averaged 84.5% (range, 50%-100%), and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index averaged 76.7% (range, 46%-93%). No recurrent subluxations or dislocations were observed. Radiographically, computed tomography imaging showed a consolidated autograft in all cases. The glenoid index increased from a mean of 0.77 preoperatively to 1.16 immediately postoperatively; at the time of last follow-up, the glenoid index decreased to 1.04. The arthroscopic reconstruction of anteroinferior glenoid defects re-creates the pear-shaped anatomy of the anteroinferior glenoid and leads to good to excellent early clinical results.