Mid-term clinical results of an arthroscopic glenoid rim reconstruction technique for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

Arthroscopic Latarjet Versus Arthroscopic Free Bone Block Procedures for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Proportional Meta-analysis Comparing Recurrence, Complication, and Reoperation Rates

BACKGROUND

Several arthroscopic glenoid bone augmentation techniques have been introduced to treat patients affected by anterior shoulder instability associated with critical bone loss. The efficacy of the different arthroscopic bony procedures has not been compared yet.

PURPOSE

To compare the recurrence, complication, and reoperation rates of the arthroscopic Latarjet (AL) and arthroscopic free bone block (ABB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis and systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase to identify clinical studies reporting the outcomes of the AL and ABB procedures. The following search phrases were used: "Arthroscopic" AND "Bone Block" OR "Bone Graft," and "Arthroscopic" AND "Glenoid Augmentation" OR "Glenoid Reconstruction," and "Arthroscopic" AND "Latarjet" OR "Coracoid Graft" OR "Coracoid Transfer." Exclusion criteria were <24 months of minimum follow-up, sample size <10 cases, revision after previous glenoid bone grafting, epilepsy, and multidirectional instability. Data regarding the study design, patient characteristics, surgical technique, and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted to compare the complication, recurrence, and reoperation rates between the 2 groups. Multiple subgroup analyses were performed to analyze the incidence of each complication and assess the weight of different fixation methods (in the whole cohort) or different graft types (in the ABB group). The modified Coleman Methodology Score was used to assess the risk of bias.

RESULTS

Of 5010 potentially relevant studies, 18 studies regarding the AL procedure (908 cases) and 15 studies regarding the ABB procedure (469 cases) were included. The 2 groups were comparable in age (P = .07), sex (P = .14), glenoid bone loss (P = .14), number of preoperative dislocations (P = .62), proportion of primary and revision procedures (P = .95), length of follow-up (P = .81), modified Coleman Methodology Score (P = .21), and level of evidence (P = .49). There was no difference in the recurrence (P = .88), reoperation (P = .79), and complication (P = .08) rates. The subgroup analyses showed a higher rate of hardware-related complications for screw fixation compared with flexible fixation (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

The AL and ABB procedures had similar recurrence, reoperation, and complication rates. Screw fixation of the bone graft was related to an increased risk of complications compared with flexible fixation.

REGISTRATION

CRD42022368153 (PROSPERO).

All-Arthroscopic Glenoid Bone Augmentation Using Iliac Crest Autograft Procedure for Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: Button Fixation Is a Feasible and Satisfactory Alternative to Screw Fixation

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy of all-arthroscopic glenoid bone augmentation surgery using the iliac crest autograft procedure. Furthermore, we sought to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of using screw versus button fixation, in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2019, 134 shoulders with persistent instability were surgically treated with an arthroscopically placed autologous iliac crest bone graft transfer procedure. Preoperative and postoperative clinical follow-up data were evaluated using the range of motion, and the Walch-Duplay, American Shoulder and Elbow Society, and Rowe scores. Radiologic assessment on 3-dimensional computed tomography scans was performed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, as well as postoperatively, at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and at the final follow-up stage. Graft positions, healing, and resorption were evaluated from postoperative images.

RESULTS

This study included 102 patients who underwent arthroscopic iliac crest bone grafting procedure with 2 screws fixation (n = 37; group 1) and 2 button fixation (n = 65; group 2). The mean follow-up period was 37 months. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of clinical scores, shoulder motion range, graft healing, or graft positions on computed tomography scans (P>.05). In group 1, 1 patient showed mechanical irritation and persistent pain around the screw insertion site, being treated through the arthroscopic removal of the screws. The average postoperative bony resorption percentages were 20.3% and 11.2% at 6 months, and 32.4% and 19.3% at 12 months, in group 1 and group 2, respectively. A statistically significant difference was detected between the two groups (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the arthroscopic iliac crest bone grafting procedure for the treatment of chronic osseous anterior shoulder instability, excellent functional results were obtained after both button fixation and screw fixation techniques. In addition, less graft resorption and no hardware-related complications were detected with suture button fixation technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.

The arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss shows similar clinical results after Latarjet procedure and iliac crest autograft transfer

PURPOSE

Recurrent anterior shoulder instability caused by critical bone loss of the glenoid is a challenging condition for shoulder surgeons. The purpose of this prospective multicenter trial was to compare the arthroscopic transfer of the coracoid process (Latarjet procedure) with the arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid using iliac crest autografts.

METHODS

A prospective multi-center trial was performed in nine orthopaedic centres in Austria, Germany and Switzerland between July 2015 and August 2021. Patients were prospectively enrolled and received either an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure or an arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer. Standardized follow-up after 6 months and mimimum 24 months included range of motion, Western Ontario stability index (WOSI), Rowe score and subjective shoulder value (SSV). All complications were recorded.

RESULTS

177 patients (group Latarjet procedure: n = 110, group iliac crest graft: n = 67) were included in the study. WOSI (n.s.), SSV (n.s.) and Rowe score (n.s.) showed no difference at final follow-up. 10 complications were seen in group Latarjet procedure and 5 in group iliac crest graft; the frequency of complications did not differ between the two groups (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

The arthrosopic Latarjet procedure and arthroscopic iliac crest graft transfer lead to comparable results regarding clinical scores, frequency of recurrent dislocations and complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Arthroscopic Autologous Iliac Crest Grafting Results in Similar Outcomes and Low Recurrence Compared to Remplissage Plus Bankart Repair for Anterior Shoulder Instability With Bipolar Bone Defects

PURPOSE

To compare the functional outcomes, range of motion (ROM), recurrence rates, and complication rates of arthroscopic autologous iliac crest grafting (AICG) and Remplissage plus Bankart repair (RB) for anterior shoulder instability with bipolar bone defects.

METHODS

This study enrolled patients undergoing arthroscopic AICG or RB with 13.5-25% glenoid bone defect combined with Hill-Sachs lesion between January 2013 and April 2020, who had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated by Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS), Rowe score, Constant score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Active ROM, return to sports, recurrence, self-reported apprehension, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

This study included 60 patients, including 28 AICG (Group A) and 32 RB (Group R). Mean glenoid bone defect was similar (17.7% ± 3.1% vs 16.6% ± 2.4%; P = .122). Both groups showed significant postoperative improvement in Rowe score, SSV, OSIS, and Constant score. No significant difference was found in postoperative Rowe Score (87.7 vs 85.2; P = .198). A total of 20/28 (71.4%) patients in Group A versus 26/32 (81.3%) patients in Group R met the Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State determined by VAS pain score (P = .370). Both groups showed high return-to-sports rates (67.8% vs 71.8%; P = .735) and slightly decreased ROM. There were two cases of recurrence in Group A versus one in Group R (P = .594). Group R had insignificantly higher positive self-reported apprehension rate (40.6% vs 17.9%; P = .055).

CONCLUSION

For anterior shoulder instability with bipolar bone defects, both arthroscopic AICG and RB can result in satisfactory clinical outcomes, good postoperative ROM, and low recurrence and complication rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; retrospective cohort study.

Suspension fixation of iliac bone grafts under arthroscopy is an effective method for the treatment of unstable bony Bankart disease of the shoulder joint in patients with joint relaxation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of arthroscopic autologous iliac bone graft suspension fixation combined with the Remplissage procedure in the treatment of recurrent shoulder dislocation with bony Bankart lesions and joint hyperlaxity.

METHODS

From 2018 to 2020, 22 patients with joint laxity underwent arthroscopic autologous iliac bone graft suspension fixation and Bankart repair combined with the Remplissage procedure due to recurrent shoulder dislocation. Clinical assessment included range of motion (forward flexion, abduction, 90° external rotation, conventional external rotation, adduction, and internal rotation), visual analog scale (VAS) score, Rowe score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score. Post-operatively, the healing of the bone graft was evaluated with computed tomography (CT) scanning.

RESULTS

All 22 patients were followed up for a mean of 19.3 ± 4.1 months. CT imaging showed that the healing time of the bone graft was 6-8 weeks. The patient satisfaction rate was 100%, there were no cases of redislocation, all patients returned to their preinjury training state, and the fear test was negative. At the final follow-up, the UCLA, VAS, Rowe, and WOSI scores were 29.8 ± 2.1, 2.2 ± 0.8, 89.4 ± 4.2, and 482.3 ± 46.2, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic autologous iliac bone graft suspension fixation and Bankart repair combined with the Remplissage procedure are effective in preventing recurrent instability with joint hyperlaxity. Furthermore, no patient had redislocation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Combined Bankart and SLAP repair: patient-reported outcome measurements after a minimum 5-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Anterior shoulder instability is typically characterized by detachment of the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion). Some patients also sustain a superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the medium-term clinical results of isolated anterior Bankart repairs (ABR) with those of combined Bankart and SLAP repair (ABR + SLAP).

METHODS

Data on all patients treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected from medical charts. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Patients were interviewed to assess patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), the Subjective Shoulder Score (SSV), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), as well as their quality of life (QOL: SF12 questionnaire). Information on complications, re-operations, and recurrent instability was recorded and evaluated as well.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients (88% males) with a mean age 23.7 years (range 15-40) were included. Forty-two patients following ABR + SLAP repair were compared to 108 patients following ABR alone, with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (range 5-10.7). The rate of re-dislocation was similar in both groups (26% for ABR + SLAP vs 20% for ABR, p = .44). There were no significant differences in functional outcome between the ABR + SLAP and the ABR alone groups (SSV 86.7 vs 86.5, p = .93, ASES 89.6 vs 86.5, p = .11, and DASH 4.9 vs 7, p = .17), or in QOL outcome (SF12 physical 95.6 vs 93.3, p = .27, SF12 mental 84.4 vs 85.7, p = .63).

CONCLUSION

Surgical repair for anterior shoulder instability and a coexisting SLAP lesion yields clinical results as good as those of isolated ABR, as evidenced by similar PROM and re-dislocation rates after medium-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Satisfactory Functional Results and Complication Rates After Anterior Glenoid Bone Block Reconstruction in Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation: A Mean 4-Year Follow-up Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Anterior recurrent instability of the glenohumeral joint is a common clinical problem among the young population. Glenoid reconstruction with bone graft has become the treatment of choice, particularly in significant deficiency (˃ 20%). This study aims to assess the functional results of glenoid reconstruction using Latarjet and iliac bone graft in management of glenoid insufficiency associated with recurrent anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint.

METHODS

Patients suffering from anterior shoulder instability with glenoid defect > 20% were included in this study between 2016 and 2021. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scale and Constant score were used to assess the functional improvement. Preoperative and final postoperative continuous outcomes were compared with one-tailed paired t-test and the outcomes across groups were compared using two-tailed independent t-test. P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for both tests.

RESULTS

This trial included 50 patients; twenty-five underwent mini-open Latarjet, and 25 underwent arthroscopic tricortical iliac bone grafting (ICBG). The mean follow-up durations were 50.1 ± 5.9 months for Laterjet and 51.6 ± 6.8 months for ICBG. Both techniques showed statistically significant improvement in the final UCLA (31.1± 2.1 in Laterjet, and 30.2± 2.2 in ICBG) and Constant (90.2± 4.6 in Laterjet, and 89± 5.01 in ICBG) scores. There was no statistically significant difference regarding mean age, sex, side of injury, mechanism of injury, follow-up period, and clinical outcome between both surgical treatments. At the end of the study, both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the range of motion (p˂ 0.00001). Only one, non-adherent patient in Laterjet group had post-operative dislocation. In ICBG group, two patients had partial bone graft resorption, 3 graft site morbidities, and 1 hardware prominence.

CONCLUSION

Both Laterjet and iliac bone graft procedures had satisfactory functional results in reconstruction of glenoid defect > 20% in unstable shoulders with a mean 4-year follow-up. No statistically significant difference was reported in the last postoperative Constant and UCLA scores between both techniques, but Latarjet procedure had fewer complications (4%) than iliac bone grafting (24%).

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

prospective non-randomized comparative study; level Ⅱ.

Free bone grafting improves clinical outcomes in anterior shoulder instability with bone defect: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies with a minimum of 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the efficacy and safety of the free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability is limited. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the clinical and imaging results of free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect and to explore the incidence of complications in clinically relevant subgroups.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted per PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to January 29, 2021, for studies that had reported on free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Two researchers independently screened studies and extracted data. A random-effects model was used to pool data on clinical function scores, imaging results, and incidence of complications (recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications). Meta-regression analysis was used to evaluate the incidence of complications in different subgroups and investigate the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 840 patients (845 shoulders) with average ages ranging from 21 to 34.6 years. Compared with preoperatively, free bone grafting increased the postoperative Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, Subjective Shoulder Value, and Oxford Shoulder Instability Score by 53.16, 31.80, 20.81, 38.63, and 4.07 points, respectively, and reduced the visual analog scale pain score by 3 points on average. During the postoperative follow-up period, the rates of return to sport and return to preoperative levels were 84.2% and 73.1%, respectively. The imaging results showed that the free bone healing rate was 98.9% and the incidence of osteoarthritis was 10.9%. The incidence rates of recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications were 3.4% and 5.6%, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed no evidence of effect modification by the year, follow-up time, proportion of male patients, autograft or allograft, and arthroscopy or open surgery on the incidence of complications. Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence rates of recurrent instability for open surgery, arthroscopy, allograft, autograft, Latarjet revision, and non-bone block revision were 4.1%, 2.3%, 1.5%, 4.4%, 10.3%, and 3.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The application of free bone grafting in treating anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defect can effectively improve shoulder joint function and is associated with a high return-to-sport rate and a low overall recurrence rate, but there were some differences in the complications of recurrent instability and non-instability-related complications among the subgroups. Given that these results need to be confirmed via head-to-head comparisons, we recommend that future clinical and biomechanical studies focus on comparing and investigating the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical approaches, thus providing a basis for orthopedic surgeons to make reliable choices.

Arthroscopic bone block stabilisation procedures for glenoid bone loss in anterior glenohumeral instability: A systematic review of clinical and radiological outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Recurrent shoulder instability is frequently associated with glenohumeral bone loss. Recently there has been a surge of interest in arthroscopically performed bone block procedures. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic glenoid bone block stabilisation for recurrent anterior dislocation.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy was applied to MEDLINE and Embase databases on 20^th July 2020. Studies reporting either clinical or radiological outcomes following arthroscopic bone block stabilisation for recurrent anterior dislocation were included. Primary outcomes were function and instability scores. Secondary outcomes included recurrent instability, graft union and resorption rates, return to activity/sports, and complications. Pooled analysis was performed when an outcome was uniformly reported by more than one study. Critical appraisal of studies was conducted using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) tool.

RESULTS

Application of the search strategy resulted in the inclusion of 15 eligible studies; 12 used iliac crest bone graft while 3 used distal tibial allograft. The overall population comprised 265 patients (mean age range, 25.5-37.5 years; 79% of participants were men). All post-operative outcome scores were significantly improved, and the overall rate of recurrent instability was low (weighted mean 6.6%, range 0-18.2%) at mean follow up of 30.4 months. The Rowe score was the most frequently reported outcome measure, improving on average by 53.9 points at final follow-up, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) threshold. Graft union rates ranged between 92-100% in 8 out of 10 studies at mean follow up range 6-78.7 months but two reported lower rates ranging from 58.3-84% for autografts and 37.5% for allografts. Graft resorption rates averaged between 10-16% for autografts and 32% for allografts. Hardware-related complications occurred in 2% with the most frequent being screw breakage or symptomatic mechanical irritation.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic bone block stabilisation is associated with high rates of graft union, significant improvements in the WOSI, Rowe, Constant and SSV scores (exceeding MCID thresholds where known), and a low rate of complications, including re-dislocation in the short to mid-term. Graft union rates were high, but the long-term implications of graft resorption (which occurs more frequently with allograft) are unknown. Longer follow-up of these patients and future experimental studies are required to further examine the effects of graft type and fixation methods.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; systematic review.

Excellent Clinical and Radiological Midterm Outcomes for the Management of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability by All-Arthroscopic Modified Eden-Hybinette Procedure Using Iliac Crest Autograft and Double-Pair Button Fixation System: 3-Year Clinical Case Series With No Loss to Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological midterm outcomes of the all-arthroscopic modified Eden-Hybinette procedure in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A retrospective, single-center case series with prospectively collected data was conducted. The inclusion criterion was traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant glenoid bone loss; patients with atraumatic or multidirectional instability were excluded. An all-arthroscopic modified Eden-Hybinette procedure using iliac crest autograft and double-pair button fixation was carried out. All patients were postoperatively assessed for recurrence and apprehension. Shoulder range of motion values and functional scores, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, Oxford instability, Rowe instability, and Walch-Dupplay, were recorded. Graft positions, healing, and absorption were evaluated with computed tomography. Comparisons of values were performed with paired t tests for normally distributed differences and with nonparametric Wilcoxon's signed rank test otherwise.

RESULTS

The final study cohort included 28 patients, mean age 36 ± 10 years, and mean follow-up period 43 ± 6 months (range 36 to 53). Median glenoid bone loss was 12.4% (range 8% to 33%). No recurrence occurred, no subjective shoulder instability was reported, and no major complications were documented through the last follow-up. Postoperative shoulder range of motion had no significant differences compared with the healthy side. All final postoperative functional scores significantly increased to show excellent results compared with preoperative values. All grafts were positioned and healed optimally, and none was completely reabsorbed.

CONCLUSIONS

The all-arthroscopic modified Eden-Hybinette procedure is safe, leading to excellent clinical and radiological midterm outcomes in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. This technique restores glenoid bone defects and preserves the normal shoulder anatomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, therapeutic, retrospective case series.

Clinical outcomes of an all-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using iliac crest bone graft with a double cannulated screw fixation technique

Introduction

Significant glenoid bone loss contributes to recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Reconstruction using an iliac crest bone graft provides an anatomic restoration of the glenohumeral arc. We present a case series of an all-arthroscopic glenoid bone reconstruction using iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) with a double cannulated screw fixation technique.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study from 2012 to 2017. Patient selection was based on Instability Severity Index Score (ISIS) of greater than 3 points and the presence of glenoid bone defect of more than 20% surface area. The ICBG was harvested from the ipsilateral hip and delivered arthroscopically to the deficient glenoid. The bone graft was then fixed with two cannulated screws. All patients were evaluated at 0, 6, 12 and 24 months for range of motion, isometric strength, pain score, and functional outcome scores: Constant-Murley Score (CMSO), Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and UCLA Shoulder Score.

Results

7 patients (6 males, 1 female) with the mean age of 40.2 years and mean glenoid bone loss of 41.8% were included. At 24 months, the mean active flexion improved from 119 to 143° (p = 0.128) and active abduction improved from 112 to 138° (p = 0.063). Isometric strength increased from 14.7 to 17.6lbs (p = 0.345). All functional scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.05), where CMSO increased from 66.9 to 81.4; OSS 17.4 to 31.4, and UCLA score 23.5 to 32.1. Pain score improved from 4 to 0.5. Bone graft incorporation was confirmed for all the cases and none had recurrent instability. One patient required screw removal for screw cutout.

Conclusion

Our mid-term results for an all-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using ICBG demonstrated good clinical result with minimal complications.

Arthroscopic iliac crest bone grafting in recurrent anterior shoulder instability: minimum 5-year clinical and radiologic follow-up

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical and radiologic mid- to long-term results of arthroscopic iliac crest bone-grafting for anatomic glenoid reconstruction in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

Seventeen patients were evaluated after a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Clinical [range of motion, subscapularis tests, apprehension sign, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Constant Score (CS), Rowe Score (RS), Walch Duplay Score (WD), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI)], and radiologic [X-ray (true a.p., Bernageau and axillary views) and computed tomography (CT)] outcome parameters were assessed.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients [mean age 31.1 (range 18-50) years] were available after a follow-up period of 78.7 (range 60-110) months. The SSV averaged 87 (range 65-100) %, CS 94 (range 83-100) points, RS 89 (range 30-100) points, WD 87 (range 25-100) points, and WOSI 70 (range 47-87) %. The apprehension sign was positive in two patients (14%). One patient required an arthroscopic capsular plication due to a persisting feeling of instability, while the second patient experienced recurrent dislocations after a trauma, but refused revision surgery. CT imaging showed a significant increase of the glenoid index from preoperative 0.8 ± 0.04 (range 0.7-0.8) to 1.0 ± 0.11 (range 0.8-1.2) at the final follow-up (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic reconstruction of anteroinferior glenoid defects using an autologous iliac crest bone-grafting technique yields satisfying clinical and radiologic results after a mid- to long-term follow-up period. Postoperative re-dislocation was experienced in one (7.1%) of the patients due to a trauma and an anatomic reconstruction of the pear-shaped glenoid configuration was observed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Massive graft resorption after iliac crest allograft reconstruction for glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior shoulder instability

INTRODUCTION

Donor site morbidity constitutes the most prevalent source of complications during anatomic glenoid reconstruction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of arthroscopic anatomic glenoid reconstruction using an allogenic, tricortical iliac crest bone graft for glenoid bone loss in recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients [one female/nine male, mean age 31.9 years (range, 26-40)] underwent allogenic iliac crest bone grafting and were evaluated clinically [range of motion, subscapularis tests, apprehension sign, Constant score (CS), Rowe score (RS), Walch-Duplay score (WD), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV)] and radiographically [3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans].

RESULTS

After 23.2 months, the CS averaged 90 points (range, 84-98), RS 83 points (range, 50-100), WD 81 points (range, 50-100), WOSI 72% (range, 41-86) and the SSV 83% (range, 70-95). All patients showed a free range of motion and intact subscapularis muscle function. The apprehension sign was positive in three patients (30%) with a recurrent subluxation in one patient (10%). The glenoid surface area increased significantly from 84.4% (range, 73.5-92.1) preoperatively to 118.4% (range, 105.6-131.2) after surgery, while the glenoid defect was significantly reduced from 16.2% (range, 9.2-26.5) to 0.6% (range, 0-1.6). One year postoperative, total resorption of the allografts was observed with a glenoid surface area of 86.6% (range, 76.4-98.0) and corresponding increase of the glenoid defect to 14.0% (range, 2.9-23.6).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using an iliac crest bone allograft achieves satisfactory clinical results and glenohumeral stability during a short-term follow-up. However, this procedure was not observed to accomplish an anatomic reconstruction of the glenoid concavity due to excessive graft resorption.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series, therapeutic study.

Iliac Crest Bone Grafting for the Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability in Patients with Glenoid Bone Loss: a Systematic Review of Contemporary Literature

BACKGROUND

A number of clinical trials have been published assessing the role of iliac crest bone grafting for the management of recurrent anterior instability with glenoid bone loss in contemporary practice. We therefore performed a systematic review of contemporary literature to examine the effect of iliac crest bone grafting on postoperative outcomes of these patients. Our hypothesis is that contemporary iliac crest bone block techniques are associated with low reoperation and complication rates combined with satisfactory functional results.

METHODS

The US National Library of Medicine (PubMed/MEDLINE), the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and EMBASE were searched between January 2008 and December 2019 for relevant publications.

RESULTS

Following the application of the inclusion-exclusion criteria, nine articles were found eligible for our analysis. In total, 261 patients (mean age range, 25.5-37.5 years; mean follow-up range, 20.6-42 months) were included in the studies of the current review. The mean modified Coleman score was 48.6 (range 37-65), indicating an overall low-to-moderate methodological quality. In the short term, the overall all-cause reoperation rate was 6.1%, while the rate of recurrent instability was 4.8%. The graft non-union rate was 2.2%, while the rate of osteolysis, graft fracture, and infection was 0.4%, 0.9%, and 1.7%, respectively. Finally, hardware-related complications, such as screw breakage or symptomatic mechanical irritation around the screw insertion, occurred in 3.9% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Iliac crest bone block techniques in contemporary practice are safe and effective in the short-term (< 4 years) follow-up for the management of anterior shoulder instability with substantial glenoid bone deficiency. However, further studies of higher quality and longer follow-up are required to establish the therapeutic value of these techniques as well as to clarify whether there are differences in the outcomes of arthroscopic and open iliac crest bone block procedures.

A pilot study of blood supply of the coracoid process and the coracoid bone graft after Latarjet osteotomy

Latarjet osteotomy is still one of the most reliable and commonly used surgeries in treating recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. The coracoid process (CP) is the main structure of this surgery. However, the blood supply of CP is not fully understood, and the extent of destruction of blood supply of coracoid bone graft after Latarjet osteotomy procedure is still controversial. Five embalmed cadaveric upper limbs specimens were employed for macro observation of the blood supply of CP. The conjoint tendon (CT) and CP interface were dissected for histology. Sixteen fresh frozen shoulder specimens were used for perfusion and micro CT scanning. Eight specimens were used to present the whole vessel structure of CP. The other eight underwent Latarjet osteotomy procedure. The coracoid bone grafts in both groups were scanned to clarify the remnant blood supply. It was found that the CP was nourished by supra-scapular artery (SSA), thoracic-acromial artery and branch from second portion of the axillary artery (AA). After Latarjet osteotomy procedure, no artery from CT was detected to penetrate the CP at its attachment. Only in one specimen the blood vessel that originated from the CT penetrated the bone graft at the inferior side. Therefore, most of the blood supply was destroyed although there is a subtle possibility that the vessels derived from the CT nourished the inferior side of the CP. In a nutshell, CP is a structure with rich blood supply. The traditional Latarjet osteotomy procedure would inevitably cut off the blood supply of the coracoid bone graft.

Biomechanical Comparison of the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon Versus Conjoint Tendon Transfer in a Bone Loss Shoulder Instability Model

Background:

Augmentation of Bankart repair with long head of the biceps tendon transfer has been previously described, although there is a paucity of literature describing its biomechanical effects.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of augmenting Bankart repair with either the conjoint tendon or the long head of the biceps tendon, both with and without subcritical (13%) glenoid bone loss. We hypothesized that, in a cadaveric model, augmenting Bankart repair with the long head of the biceps tendon would restore a greater degree of stability compared with augmenting Bankart repair with the conjoint tendon.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 12 cadaveric shoulders were tested on a 6-degrees-of-freedom robotic musculoskeletal simulator to measure the peak resistance force due to an anterior displacement of 1 cm. The rotator cuff muscles were loaded during testing to simulate physiological conditions. The following test conditions were used for each specimen: (1) intact shoulder, (2) Bankart lesion with 13% anterior bone loss, (3) 13% bone loss with Bankart repair (anchors placed at the 3-, 4-, and 5-o’clock positions), (4) 13% bone loss with both Bankart repair and transfer of the long head of the biceps tendon, and (5) 13% bone loss with Bankart repair and transfer of the conjoint tendon.

Results:

Labral repair with the addition of long head of the biceps tendon transfer had the greatest peak resistance force to anterior displacement among all groups (54.1 ± 5.5 N) and was significantly stronger than both standard Bankart repair by 16.3% (46.5 ± 7.6 N; P = .039) and the conjoint transfer procedure by 16.6% (46.4 ± 7.7 N; P = .008).

Conclusion:

Given the susceptibility of recurrent instability in shoulders with subcritical bone loss after isolated labral repair, it is important to consider augmenting Bankart repair in high-risk patients to avoid potential recurrence and the need for reoperations. Transferring the long head of the biceps tendon to the anterior glenoid represents one possible augmentation.

Clinical Relevance:

We present biomechanical data for a relatively novel technique for augmenting capsulolabral repair strength in an anterior instability model with subcritical bone loss. These data represent biomechanical justification for the utilization of this relatively novel technique.

All-arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction by iliac crest bone graft transfer does not affect structural integrity and 3-dimensional volume of the subscapularis muscle

AIM

The subscapularis muscle is an important active stabilizer of the glenohumeral joint. For this radiological study, we investigated if its radiological integrity is affected after arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction. In the technique used, an autologous iliac crest graft is transported through the rotator interval, and the graft is fixed via an antero-inferior portal with compression screws.

METHODS

3 women and 6 men (mean age 31 ± 9 years, min 21, max 46 years) who had a preoperative glenoid deficit of 23% ± 6% (min 13%, max 29%) were included. In a follow-up after an interval of 34 months (min 19, max 50), MRI scans were performed on both shoulders. With ITK-SNAP, a 3D reconstruction software, the volume of the subscapularis muscle in the injured and contralateral shoulder was measured. In addition, signal intensity ratios (PSI) (infraspinatus muscle / cranial subscapularis muscle and infraspinatus muscle / caudal subscapularis muscle) were analyzed and the width of the cranial and caudal portions as well as the length of the subscapularis muscle in the parasagittal plane were determined.

RESULTS

The 3D volume showed no difference between operated and healthy shoulders (p = 0.07), neither did PSI ratios (infraspinatus muscle / cranial subscapularis muscle: p = 1.00, infraspinatus muscle / caudal subscapularis muscle: p = 1.00). In the parasagittal plane, length (p = 0.09) and cranial width (p = 0.23) did not differ. However, the width of the lower muscle was increased in injured shoulders (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, no relevant volume loss could be found after arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction. However, a greater width of the lower muscle portion could be identified in the parasagittal plane as a possible indication of scarring.