Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Research Articles

Arthroscopic Repair of a Type VIII Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Tear

Background: Type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) tears are described as SLAP type II tears with posterior extension to the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament. These tears are a common source of pain, instability, and decreased function in active individuals, particularly overhead or throwing athletes. Indications: Type VIII SLAP tears can cause pain and loss of sports performance, especially in a throwing athlete. This patient is a quarterback and pitcher who had magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopic evidence of a type VIII SLAP tear with pain and inability to throw at his preinjury level. Technique Description: In the lateral decubitus position, a standard posterior portal is established along with anterior and accessory lateral portals. A type VIII SLAP tear is identified and the arm is taken out of balanced suspension traction and placed in abduction and external rotation which shows displacement of the posterior labrum and peelback of the superior labrum indicating pathologic labral instability. The labrum is then elevated and glenoid prepared to achieve healthy bleeding bone. Tape sutures are then passed around the labrum and placed into a glenoid anchor starting superiorly and continuing the repair posteroinferiorly. Three anchors were placed in the superior labrum using a percutaneous technique, with 2 more placed from the posterior portal to complete the 5-anchor repair. The posterior portal is then closed with a single monofilament suture to prevent a potential stress riser in the capsule. Results: The literature suggests that athletes with type VIII SLAP tears can expect improved functional outcomes and high return to play rates (>90%); however, only 50% to 70% of throwing athletes return to the same level of play. Discussion/Conclusion: Type VIII SLAP tears are an important cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction, particularly in overhead athletes. Arthroscopic repair of type VIII SLAP tears can improve functional outcomes and ability to return to sport; however, throwing athletes experience lower rates of return to previous level. 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.

Anterior Bankart Repair With Superior Capsular Plication Causes Increased Mean Tension in Posterior Glenohumeral Capsule

The purpose of this study is to investigate if a biomechanical difference exists in the prerepair and postrepair states of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (PIGHL) following anterior Bankart repair with respect to capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift. In this study, 12 cadaveric shoulders were dissected to the glenohumeral capsule and disarticulated. The specimens were loaded to 5-mm displacement using a custom shoulder simulator, and measurements were taken for posterior capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift. We measured the capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift of the PIGHL in its native state and following repair of a simulated anterior Bankart lesion. We found that there was a significant increase in the mean capsular tension of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (Δ= 2.12 ± 2.10 N; P= .005), as well as posterior capsular shift (Δ= .362 ± 0.365 mm; P= .018). There was no significant change in posterior labral height (Δ= 0.297 ± 0.667 mm; P= .193). These results demonstrate the sling effect of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Although the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament is not directly manipulated during an anterior Bankart repair, when the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament is plicated superiorly, some of the tension is transmitted to the posterior glenohumeral ligament as a result of the sling effect. Anterior Bankart repair with superior capsular plication results in an increased mean tension of the PIGHL. Clinically, this may contribute to shoulder stability.

Arthroscopic Repair of a “Floating” Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

Background: Combined posterior glenoid labrum lesions with posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament, also known as the “floating” posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (PIGL), occur infrequently. These combined lesions are frequently missed on magnetic resonance imaging in the workup of posterior shoulder instability. Correct identification of the “floating” PIGL lesion allows for appropriate preoperative planning and treatment to decrease the risk of recurrent posterior shoulder instability. Indications: A “floating” PIGL lesion is a cause of posterior shoulder instability and demonstrates increased translation when compared with isolated labral lesions. Surgical repair of an acute “floating” PIGL lesion with concomitant superior labral tear is described. Technique Description: The patient is placed in the lateral decubitus position. Standard posterior and anterior portals are created. In this case, a superior labral tear with anterior labral tear extension was also identified and repaired. The posterior labrum was repaired prior to the posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL). The torn posterior labrum is mobilized and glenoid bony bed prepared. Short, 2.9-mm biocomposite knotless suture anchors loaded with suture tape are used for labral fixation. A 70° arthroscope is used to visualize the posterior HAGL from the anterior cannula and an additional posterior inferior portal established. The footprint of PIGL on the humerus is identified, debrided, and two 3.0-mm anchors loaded with suture placed. The sutures are passed through the capsule and PIGL and tied in a mattress pattern external to the capsule and ligament. The posterior portals are closed with nonabsorbable suture. Results: While few outcomes are described in the literature for the “floating” PIGL, the literature suggests good outcomes following surgical repair. Conclusion: The “floating” PIGL lesion is a rare cause of posterior shoulder instability. It is important to perform a thorough evaluation for concomitant pathology in patients with posterior shoulder instability as multiple structures can be injured. Arthroscopic repair of the posterior labrum and posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament can be performed to restore posterior stability to the shoulder in the setting of a “floating” PIGL.

Glenoid Labral Injuries Are More Common Posteriorly Than Superiorly and Are Combined Across Multiple Areas of the Glenoid

PurposeTo categorize arthroscopically observed labral injuries to include location on the glenoid and frequency of the injuries in each location.MethodsPatients undergoing arthroscopic labral surgery between January 2018 and June 2020 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria for labral injury were consistently applied and included history, clinical examination and imaging findings, and failure of rehabilitation. Exclusion criteria included arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, and previous surgery. Injury locations were categorized into superior, anterior, and/or posterior areas on the glenoid and as isolated in one area or combined in more than one area. Injury patterns also were evaluated. Interrater and intrarater agreement was assessed between 2 raters for injury location and tear pattern for 22 randomly assigned cases.ResultsIn total, 167 cases met the inclusion criteria. Injuries were found in all areas. Combined injuries were found almost twice as often as isolated injuries (63.5% vs 37.5%). Isolated posterior injuries had the greatest frequency of all specific injury types (26.3%). Isolated superior injuries (SLAP 2-4) had a frequency of 7.2%. Tear patterns included peel back, separation/split, insubstance injury, peripheral rim flattening, and extension into the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament. Interrater was excellent for all tear locations (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.85) whereas intrarater agreement was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.63).ConclusionsLabral injuries that are associated with clinical symptoms can occur as isolated or combined types in the superior, anterior, and posterior glenoid areas and can display multiple injury patterns. Combined types of injuries are almost twice as common as those that are isolated in one area. Posterior injuries, isolated or combined, are frequent but superior injuries are less commonLevel of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Bennett Lesion Resection: A Novel Technique

Background: Bennett lesion is ossification of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. Though often asymptomatic, these lesions can become painful and interfere with throwing ability. Indications: The Bennett lesion is relatively common among elite throwers, present in 22% to 25% of asymptomatic pitchers. Suggested causes of this lesion include traction on the posterior joint and posterior impingement in the late cocking phase. These lesions can become painful due to displacement and irritation of the joint capsule and axillary nerve. Therefore, efficient arthroscopic treatment of symptomatic lesions is essential. Technique Description: The patient is positioned in the lateral decubitus position, and the glenohumeral joint is accessed via posterior and anterior portals. Once the lesion is identified, it may be probed and debrided via the posterior portal. A posterior capsular release is performed, and 4.0 mm burr resection of the lesion is started, viewing from the anterior portal with a 70° arthroscope. Direct visualization through the posterior portal can be used to verify complete lesion resection. If there is a true tear of the posterior labrum, this can be repaired with a knotless suture anchor back to the glenoid, but usually there is delamination that can be left alone after addressing the Bennett lesion. Results: We have found good success treating Bennett lesions via the above technique. This is supported by previous literature as well, with return to preinjury levels ranging from 69% to 85% following arthroscopic resection. Discussion/Conclusion: Four diagnostic criteria have been described to ensure accurate diagnosis: detection of a bony spur at the posterior glenoid rim on plain x-ray films, best seen on Stryker notch and Bennett view; posterior shoulder pain while throwing; tenderness at the posteroinferior aspect of the glenohumeral joint; and improvement in pain following lidocaine injection. Magnetic resonance imaging is also an excellent diagnostic tool to detect early enthesopathic changes in the posterior glenoid or periosteum, as well as labral pathology. Following arthroscopic resection, 88% of patients were satisfied with their treatment when using these diagnostic criteria. Accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment of Bennett lesions are imperative in the throwing athlete, and when performed correctly, our technique provides significant and lasting improvement for patients.

Effects of joint capsular release on range of motion in patients with frozen shoulder

A thickened joint capsule is believed to be one of the most specific manifestations of and the primary restraint against range of motion (ROM) in frozen shoulders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship among ROMs under general anesthesia before surgery and the effects of each joint capsular release on ROM. ROM was measured using a goniometer with scapular fixation. Arthroscopic pan-capsular release was performed with the patient in the beach-chair position in the following order: (1) rotator interval, (2) coracohumeral ligament, (3) superior capsule, (4) middle glenohumeral ligament, (5) anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament, and (6) posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament. ROMs in forward flexion (FF), lateral elevation (LE), external rotation with the arm at the side (ER1), external rotation at 90° of LE (ER2), internal rotation at 90° of LE (IR2), horizontal flexion, external rotation at 90° of FF (ER3), and internal rotation at 90° of FF (IR3) were evaluated before and after each release. A total of 32 consecutive shoulders were included. After each capsular release, the ROM recovered; the final ROM was significantly greater on the affected side than on the unaffected side. Significant correlations were found between FF and LE, FF and ER1, ER1 and ER2, ER1 and ER3, ER2 and ER3, and IR2 and IR3 on both sides, regardless of surgery. Each segment of the joint capsule affected ROM in all directions, supporting the need for whole-joint capsular release; ROM was significantly greater on the affected side than on the unaffected side after surgery.

Current Concepts in the Evaluation and Management of Type II Superior Labral Lesions of the Shoulder.

Background:Superior labrum tears extending from anterior to posterior (SLAP lesion) are a cause of significant shoulder pain and disability. Management for these lesions is not standardized. There are no clear guidelines for surgical versus non-surgical treatment, and if surgery is pursued there are controversies regarding SLAP repair versus biceps tenotomy/tenodesis.Objective:This paper aims to briefly review the anatomy, classification, mechanisms of injury, and diagnosis of SLAP lesions. Additionally, we will describe our treatment protocol for Type II SLAP lesions based on three groups of patients: throwing athletes, non-throwing athletes, and all other Type II SLAP lesions.Conclusion:The management of SLAP lesions can be divided into 4 broad categories: (1) nonoperative management that includes scapular exercise, restoration of balanced musculature, and that would be expected to provide symptom relief in 2/3 of all patients; (2) patients with a clear traumatic episode and symptoms of instability that should undergo SLAP repair without (age < 40) or with (age > 40) biceps tenotomy or tenodesis; (3) patients with etiology of overuse without instability symptoms should be managed by biceps tenotomy or tenodesis; and (4) throwing athletes that should be in their own category and preferentially managed with rigorous physical therapy centered on hip, core, and scapular exercise in addition to restoration of shoulder motion and rotator cuff balance. Peel-back SLAP repair, Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament (PIGHL) release, and treatment of the partial infraspinatus tear with debridement, PRP, or (rarely) repair should be reserved for those who fail this rehabilitation program.

Arthroscopic Management of Posterior Instability due to “Floating” Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions

The “floating” posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (floating PIGHL) is an uncommon cause of posterior shoulder instability. This pathologic lesion, defined as detachment of both the origin of the PIGHL (posterior Bankart lesion) and insertion of the of the PIGHL from its humeral head insertion site, often results in significant and persistent shoulder instability symptoms. An effective surgical technique for arthroscopic repair of a floating PIGHL lesion is described and demonstrated.

Diagnostic value of US, MR and MR arthrography in shoulder instability

IntroductionThe aim of our study was to compare US, conventional MRI and MR arthrography findings in patients with anterior shoulder instability and with a clinical diagnosis of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesion. At the same time we evaluated the accuracy of MR arthrography in the diagnosis of this lesion. MethodsAfter approval of the local Ethics Committee, our department's Trauma Registry from July 2008 up to February 2012 was retrospectively reviewed to identify all eligible patients. Eligibility criteria included: 1)history of acute or chronic shoulder instability (more than three dislocations over a period of more than two months); 2) diagnosis of labroligamentous lesion.All patients were investigated with plain radiographs, Ultrasound Scans (US), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MR arthrography. Finally, all patients underwent an arthroscopy that confirmed the diagnosis. ResultsA total of 200 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. The mean age was 39 years (range 15 to 83); 147 were male and 133 involved the right shoulder. Chronic instability was documented in 133 patients, whereas acute instability was documented in 67 patients. We detected a statistically significant difference between US and MR arthrography in SLAP (Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior) lesions (TypeII, III and IV), in Bankart lesions, in glenohumeral ligament lesions (superior, middle, anterior-inferior and anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament) in Hill-Sachs lesions, in diagnosing internal subacromial impingement and in normal findings. MR arthrography was superior to the US.A statistically significant difference was evident between MRI and MR arthrography findings in SLAP lesions (III and IV Type lesions), in glenohumeral ligament lesions (anterior inferior and posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament), in partial rotator cuff ruptures and in normal findings. MR arthrography diagnosed this lesion better than MRI without contrast.We also found a statistically significant difference between US and MRI findings in SLAP Type II lesions, in partial rotator cuff ruptures, in Hill-Sachs lesions and in diagnosing internal subacromial impingement. ConclusionThe US scan is a valuable diagnostic technique for rotator cuff complete or incomplete ruptures. For evaluating Hill-Sachs lesions or bony Bankart lesions, MRI is more accurate. In the case of labral capsular ligamentous complex lesions, MR arthrography is superior.

Arthroscopic Repair of the Floating Posterior-Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Lesion

We present our technique for diagnosis and arthroscopic repair of a floating posterior-inferior glenohumeral ligament avulsion injury. A high degree of suspicion based on the patient's history, along with careful examination, should alert the surgeon to the existence of this lesion. By use of an anterolateral viewing portal and precisely placed posterior working portals, the lesion is repaired through suture anchor fixation to the humeral head and glenoid rim in a carefully sequenced fashion to achieve appropriate tension and restore the anatomy.

Repair of Floating Posterior Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions

Posterior glenohumeral joint instability makes up approximately 2% to 10% of all shoulder instability reports in the literature and pathologic findings in patients, which often involve a spectrum of pathology rather than a single pathoanatomic finding. A combined posterior Bankart lesion and posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament has been defined as the floating posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament. This combination of pathology may result in severe posterior-inferior instability and the need to address both lesions during attempted surgical repair has therefore been stressed. In this study, we present our suggested techniques for repairing the various subtypes of floating posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament lesions. Repair of both the humeral and glenoid-sided injuries are addressed.

Combined Posterior Osseous Bankart Lesion and Posterior Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligaments

The pathoanatomy of anterior shoulder dislocations has been well documented. Perthes1 described an anterior labral lesion as early as 1906, and Bankart2 wrote his classic article on recurrent anterior dislocations more than seventy years ago. Until recently, much less had been written about posterior shoulder instability; to our knowledge, the first case series was reported by Reeves3 in 1963. Recurrent posterior glenohumeral joint instability is far less common than anterior instability, accounting for approximately 2% to 10% of all cases of shoulder instability4. Pathoanatomic findings in patients with unidirectional posterior instability include a posterior Bankart lesion, posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (PHAGL), and various combinations of the two5,6. In their article on humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL), Bui-Mansfield et al.7 defined the floating posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (floating PIGHL) as a combined posterior Bankart lesion and PHAGL. Multiple cases of this lesion have been reported in the literature7-11. To our knowledge, there has been no reported case of the specific combination of a posterior osseous Bankart lesion and a PHAGL injury. We present a case of recurrent posterior instability associated with a combined PHAGL injury and posterior osseous Bankart lesion. We also describe four pathoanatomic subtypes of floating PIGHL lesions. The patient was informed that data concerning his case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A twenty-three-year-old left-hand-dominant man fell while snowboarding three years prior to presentation and sustained a left shoulder dislocation. He was not certain about the direction of the dislocation. He was able to relocate the shoulder on the mountain with the help of friends and the ski patrol. Initially, he was managed nonoperatively with a sling and physical therapy as well as a progressive return …

Is the Extended Release of the Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament Necessary for Frozen Shoulder?

The aims of our study were to assess effects of the extent of capsular release and to define the benefit of additional release of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) from inferior to posterior in frozen shoulder. Seventy-four consecutive patients with refractory frozen shoulder underwent arthroscopic capsular release and were divided into 2 groups randomly. The release of anterior capsular structures, including the anterior band of the IGHL, was performed in group 1. In group 2 the release extended inferiorly and posteriorly. Constant functional scores were used to assess the outcome. The range of motion (ROM) in various directions was also recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Follow-up was obtained in 41 patients in group 1 and 29 patients in group 2, and it averaged 28 months. At the last follow-up, there was a significant improvement in Constant score (P < .01) postoperatively in all patients. There was a significant and rapid reduction in the visual analog scale score in both groups postoperatively. No statistical difference in the visual analog scale score was found between the 2 groups at the corresponding time points. Overall, patients had restored shoulder ROM at the last follow-up without difference between group 1 and group 2. Abduction, flexion, external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction, internal rotation at 0 degrees of abduction, and internal rotation at 90 degrees of abduction recovered more rapidly in group 2 within 3 months after surgery; however, there was no significant difference in ROM after 6 months. In this broad group of patients with recalcitrant adhesive capsulitis, the addition of the posterior capsular release did not improve patient function or ROM over anterior capsular release alone at 6 months. The extended release of the inferior and posterior IGHL would improve ROM more rapidly within the first 3 months postoperatively. Level I, therapeutic randomized controlled trial.

Identification and management of “floating” posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament lesions

Recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability, although a less common clinical entity than anterior instability, must be recognized and appropriately treated for a successful outcome. Pathologic findings that may need to be addressed include posterior Bankart lesions, humeral avulsion of the posterior inferior glenohumeral ligament (PIGHL), intrasubstance ligament attenuation, and combined lesions. In this review, we present 2 patients with the same pathoanatomic findings of recurrent posterior shoulder instability secondary to posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament with an associated posterior Bankart lesion. This combination of pathology is referred to as a "floating PIGHL" lesion. We review both patient's preoperative clinical findings and imaging studies and detail the necessary steps for a successful repair.