Remplissage in addition to arthroscopic Bankart repair for shoulder instability with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions reduces residual apprehension without external rotation limitation

An Evidence-Based Approach to Indication for Remplissage

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Treatment of anterior shoulder instability (ASI) is complex with many factors contributing to surgical decision making. The remplissage is an adjunct surgical technique that can be added at the time of arthroscopic labral repair or glenoid bone block reconstruction to decrease the recurrence rate of ASI post-operatively. The purpose of this review is to highlight the history, indications, and outcomes of remplissage when used for anterior shoulder instability.

RECENT FINDINGS

Prior studies have demonstrated that remplissage, when used in addition to an arthroscopic labral repair, can significantly reduce the rate of recurrent instability in patients with both off-track and near-track Hill Sachs lesions. There remains concern that addition of remplissage will negatively affect post-operative range of motion (ROM). However, recent literature suggests no difference observed in ROM when comparing remplissage plus arthroscopic labral repair to arthroscopic labral repair alone. While the addition of a remplissage has promising rates of return to sport, these results are less favorable when a remplissage is performed in an overhead athlete. The remplissage is a powerful surgical tool to utilize in addition to an arthroscopic labral repair or glenoid bone block reconstruction in patients with anterior instability. An understanding of appropriate indications and its influence on post-operative outcomes can assist the surgeon with providing the best possible outcome for each individual patient.

Lower Range of Recurrent Instability Rates Following Bankart Repair and Remplissage Compared to Isolated Bankart Repair in Patients With "Nonengaging/On-Track" Hill-Sachs Lesions and <20% Glenoid Bone Loss

PURPOSE

To compare recurrent instability and return-to-sport rates along with external rotation differences between on-track (nonengaging) Hill-Sachs lesion patients undergoing either an isolated Bankart repair (IBR) or a Bankart repair augmented with a remplissage procedure (B+R).

METHODS

A search was conducted using 3 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Only clinical comparative (level of evidence I-III) studies were considered for inclusion. Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria.

RESULTS

Six level of evidence III studies, totaling 537 patients (202 B+R and 335 IBR) were included for analysis. All patients had <20% glenoid bone loss and a nonengaging, on-track Hill-Sachs lesion. At a median final follow-up of 34.7 months, recurrent dislocation rates ranged from 0% to 7.7% and 3.5% to 30% in the B+R and IBR groups, respectively. Moreover, subjective instability and revision surgery rates presented lower ranges in the B+R upon comparison with the IBR cohort (0%-32% vs 5%-71.4% and 0%-5% vs 0%-35%, respectively). Furthermore, return to preinjury level of sports ranged from 64% to 100% in the remplissage-augmented group and 50% to 90% in the IBR cohort. Postoperative external rotation at side varied from 50° to 63° in the B+R and 55° to 63° in the IBR arm. Additional subgroup analysis revealed recurrent dislocation rates in athletes and patients with near-track Hill-Sachs lesions undergoing remplissage augmentation to be 0% to 5% and 2% to 47% while ranging from 8.8% to 30% and 9% to 66% for IBR patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Upon qualitative analysis, ranges of recurrent instability measures, including recurrent dislocation rates, are higher in patients undergoing IBR in comparison to B+R. Activity level influences outcomes as athletes were found to have a higher range of recurrent dislocation rates in the IBR group. The addition of remplissage showed a higher range of return-to-sport rates with comparable postoperative external rotation between groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

No Difference in External Rotation Loss After Isolated Bankart Repair, Remplissage, or Latarjet: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the effectiveness of remplissage in reducing instability recurrence, debate remains about the loss of external rotation (ER) after this procedure.

PURPOSE

To compare the loss of ER after primary isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair alone (BR), Bankart with remplissage (REMP), and Latarjet (LAT) procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A literature search of 4 databases was conducted to identify comparative studies reporting ER after BR, REMP, or LAT. ER loss with the arm at side was collected, along with postoperative Rowe score, return to previous sport level, instability recurrence, reintervention, and noninstability complications. Dichotomous variables were assessed using odds ratios with 95% CIs, and continuous variables were analyzed using mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs. A random-effects meta-analysis was used for continuous outcomes and dichotomous outcomes.

RESULTS

In total, 27 studies were included, consisting of 2100 patients: 824 in BR, 378 in REMP, and 898 in LAT groups. The mean ER loss was 6.8°± 11° after BR, 9.3°± 12.6° after REMP, and 0.8°± 20.4° after LAT. Comparing REMP and BR, the MD was 5.9° (P = .13); between REMP and LAT, the MD was 9.6° (P = .17). For Rowe scores, the MD was 3.46 (P = .49) between REMP and BR and 0.24 (P = .9) between REMP and LAT. Odds ratios for return to previous sport level were 1.08 (P = .84) for REMP versus BR and 1.62 (P = .09) for REMP versus LAT. Regarding instability recurrence, the odds ratio was 6.67 (P = .04) for REMP versus BR and 1.43 (P = .48) for REMP versus LAT. The odds ratio for reoperation for BR was 7.69 (P = .05) compared with REMP, and the odds ratio for complications for LAT was 6.25 (P = .02) compared with REMP.

CONCLUSION

Remplissage reduces instability recurrence compared with isolated Bankart repair without any statistically significant difference in postoperative ER deficit. Remplissage may reduce the risk of reoperation compared with Latarjet with no difference in postoperative ER deficit or recurrence.

Arthroscopic Remplissage Before Bankart Repair With All-Suture Anchor Mattress Fixation in the Beach-Chair Position

A common procedure for treatment of Hill-Sachs lesions in the setting of anterior shoulder instability is arthroscopic remplissage. Remplissage consists of using the posterior capsule and infraspinatus tendon to fill the Hill-Sachs lesion and convert it into an extra-articular defect. Previous versions of this technique have not specified the timing in which remplissage and Bankart repair occur and have been performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position. In this Technical Note, we describe our technique where we perform the remplissage before Bankart repair using all-suture anchor mattress fixation with the patient in the beach-chair position. By performing the remplissage before Bankart repair, the shoulder is reduced to allow for easier execution of the remplissage and reduce difficulties that might prevent its completion if done after Bankart repair. Further, by completing remplissage before Bankart repair in the beach-chair position, the humeral head is moved posteriorly with the cuff to allow for better access for the following labral repair and allows for the standardization between arthroscopic and open shoulder instability management.

Outcomes following arthroscopic treatment of off-track Hill-Sachs lesions using fresh osteochondral allograft plugs: a case series

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation is a well-described technique for the treatment of large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs). Traditionally, OCAs are size-matched to the defect, which can be expensive and time-consuming, and the majority of described techniques require an open approach. Recently, an all-arthroscopic approach to Hill-Sachs OCA transplantation using premade plugs was described, eliminating the need for size-matching and graft harvest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative outcomes of patients who have undergone arthroscopic treatment of HSLs using premade OCA plugs. We hypothesized that these patients would have improved pain and function without recurrent instability.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed using operative reports for a single surgeon with search terms Hill-Sachs and allograft. Patients were excluded if an open approach was used or if graft harvest was performed. Postoperative imaging was reviewed to assess for graft incorporation and reconstitution of the HSL. Recurrent instability and reoperation were recorded. Patients completed surveys including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI).

RESULTS

Five patients were identified through chart review and met inclusion criteria. All patients underwent concurrent labral repair and 2 patients underwent a concurrent open Latarjet procedure. Postoperative radiographs showed reconstitution of the HSLs in all patients. There were no complications in the postoperative period with no recurrent instability or reoperations in any patient. The average ASES score was 87% (higher score indicating better outcome) with standard deviation 9.7, and the average WOSI score was 27% (lower score indicating better outcome) with standard deviation 8.3.

CONCLUSION

Favorable outcomes can be expected after arthroscopic treatment of Hill-Sachs lesions using premade OCA plugs. Further research is needed to assess larger patient cohorts and compare outcomes to size-matched approaches.

Rehabilitation Protocol Variability Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Remplissage for Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review

Background

Augmentation of an arthroscopic Bankart repair with the remplissage (ABR) procedure has shown to confer a decrease in recurrence rates, yet, at the expense of potentially compromising shoulder motion.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purpose was to examine clinical studies that described a post-operative rehabilitation protocol after an arthroscopic Bankart repair and remplissage procedure. It was hypothesized that a review of the literature would find variability among the studies and that, among comparative studies, there would be a limited distinction from protocols for isolated Bankart repairs.

Study design

Systematic Review.

Materials and Methods

A search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following terms were combined while utilizing Boolean operators: (Bankart lesion OR labral tear) AND (remplissage). Studies evaluating patients after arthroscopic stabilization for unidirectional anterior glenohumeral instability with the addition of the remplissage procedure and at least 1 year follow-up were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 41 studies (14 Level IV, 24 Level III, 2 Level II, and 1 Level I) were included with a total of 1,307 patients who underwent ABR. All patients had <30% glenoid bone loss and a range of 10-50% humeral head size Hill-Sachs lesion. Type and position of immobilization were the most reported outcomes (41/41) followed by time of immobilization (40/41). Moreover, 23/41 studies described their initial post-operative shoulder range of motion restrictions, while 17/41 specified any shoulder motion allowed during this restrictive phase. Time to return to sport was also described in 37/41 of the retrieved studies. Finally, only two of the 27 comparative studies tailored their rehabilitation protocol according to the specific procedure performed, underscoring the lack of an individualized approach (i.e. same rehabilitation protocol for different procedures).

Conclusion

The results of the present systematic review expose the variability among rehabilitation protocols following ABR. This variability prompts consideration of the underlying factors influencing these disparities and underscores the need for future research to elucidate optimal rehabilitation. Based on the results of this systematic review and the senior authors´ clinical experience, a rehabilitation approach similar to an isolated Bankart repair appears warranted, with additional precautions being utilized regarding internal rotation range of motion and external rotation strengthening.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.

Editorial Commentary: For Patients With Shoulder Instability, On-Track Hill-Sachs Lesion Plus Subcritical Glenoid Bone Loss May Be the Best Indication for Dynamic Anterior Stabilization Using the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon

As the definition of shoulder glenoid critical bone loss has evolved and decreased from 25% to 17% to 13.5%, indications for bone block procedures for shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss have expanded. While the bone block procedure is an effective treatment for almost all cases of anterior shoulder instability, regardless of the amount of bone loss, many surgeons prefer to perform a bone block procedure only in cases of critical bone loss due to risk of complications. Thus, for cases of minimal (subcritical) bone loss, Remplissage has been recommended to enhance Bankart repair. As an alternative, dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) using the long head of the biceps tendon has been recommended as a surgical option in patients with shoulder instability and subcritical bone loss. How do we decide? A biomechanical study shows DAS is an effective method for on-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical bone loss, and Remplissage is more effective for off-track Hill-Sachs lesions. Clinical studies are required to complement biomechanical findings.

Understanding the Remplissage: History, Biomechanics, Outcomes, and Current Indications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Arthroscopic remplissage has continued to gain popularity as an adjunct to Bankart repair for patients with anterior shoulder instability. Although the original remplissage technique was described over 15 years ago, our understanding of when and how to use this procedure continues to evolve. This article provides a review of how remplissage affects shoulder biomechanics, compares clinical outcomes between remplissage and other procedures for shoulder instability, and discusses current indications for remplissage.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research focuses on the use of remplissage across a wide range of glenoid bone loss. Remplissage appears effective at preventing recurrent instability in patients with glenoid bone loss up to 15% of the glenoid width. However, once glenoid bone exceeds 15%, outcomes tend to favor bony reconstruction procedures such as Latarjet. Results of biomechanical studies examining shoulder range of motion (ROM) after remplissage are mixed, though clinical studies tend to report no significant limitations in ROM when remplissage is added to a Bankart repair. Adding a remplissage to conventional Bankart repair may improve clinical outcomes and lower rates of recurrent instability without significantly altering shoulder ROM. However, surgeons should recognize its limitations in treating patients with large amounts of glenoid bone loss and should be prepared to discuss alternative procedures on a case-by-case basis. Absolute indications and contraindications for remplissage are not well defined currently and require further scientific research.

Biomechanical Analysis Reveals Shoulder Instability With Bipolar Bone Loss Is Best Treated With Dynamic Anterior Stabilization for On-Track Lesions and With Remplissage for Off-Track Lesions

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical effects of augmenting Bankart repair (BR) with either remplissage or dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) in the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with on-track or off-track bipolar bone loss.

METHODS

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested at 60° of glenohumeral abduction in the intact, injury, and repair conditions. Injury conditions included 15% glenoid bone loss with an on-track or off-track Hill-Sachs lesion as previously recommended. Repair conditions included isolated BR, BR with remplissage, and BR with DAS (long head of biceps transfer). The glenohumeral stability was assessed by measuring the anterior translation under 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 N load and maximum load without causing instability at mid-range (60°) and end-range (90°) external rotation (ER). Maximum range of motion (ROM) was measured by applying a 2.2-N·m torque in passive ER and internal rotation.

RESULTS

Isolated BR failed to restore native glenohumeral stability in both on-track and off-track bipolar bone loss models. Both remplissage and DAS significantly decreased the anterior instability in the bipolar bone loss models, showing better restoration than the isolated BR. In the on-track lesions, DAS successfully restored native glenohumeral stability and mobility, whereas remplissage significantly decreased anterior translation without load (-2.12 ± 1.07 mm at 90° ER, P = .003; -1.98 ± 1.23 mm at 60° ER, P = .015). In the off-track lesions, remplissage restored native glenohumeral stability but led to significant ROM limitation (-8.6° ± 2.3° for internal rotation, P < .001; -13.9° ± 6.2° for ER, P = .003), whereas DAS failed to restore native stability at 90° ER regarding the increased anterior translation under 50 N (4.10 ± 1.53 mm, P < .001) and decreased maximum load (-13.8 ± 9.2 N, P = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

At time-zero, both remplissage and DAS significantly reduced residual anterior instability compared with isolated BR in the bipolar bone loss models and restored the native glenohumeral stability under most translational loads. However, remplissage could decrease the anterior translation without load for on-track lesions and may restrict ROM for off-track lesions, whereas DAS failed to restore native stability under high translational loads for off-track lesions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

DAS could be recommended to treat on-track bipolar bone loss with less biomechanical adverse effects, whereas remplissage might be the preferred procedure to address off-track bipolar bone loss for better stability.

Long head of the biceps tendon versatility in reconstructive shoulder surgery: a narrative review of arthroscopic techniques and their biomechanical principles with video presentation

The management of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) during shoulder arthroscopy has been a subject of controversy for many years, with evolving discussions and trends. Despite long-standing debate, the nature of the surgical indication regarding how to treat concomitent LHBT injuries has undergone changes in recent years. It now extends beyond the timing of tenotomy to encompass considerations of alternative methods for preserving the LHBT, along with an ongoing exploration of how it can be effectively utilized in reconstructive shoulder surgery. Recent techniques describe approaches to using LHBT in a wide range of procedures, from shoulder instability to rotator cuff tears. Additionally, LHBT-based reconstructive techniques have surfaced for addressing what were formerly denoted as irreparable rotator cuff tears. While current literature provides detailed anatomical descriptions of the LHBT and many reports of novel, advanced techniques, there is still much debate regarding the decision-making process in each case. Because of the growing number of emerging techniques and the escalating debate in the subsequent paper, a decision has been made to present the current literature review concerning the potential utilization of LHBT in shoulder arthroscopy. In a dedicated video, we demonstrate the main arthroscopic techniques employed by the authors in their daily practice.

Managing severe bipolar bone loss in athletes: A comprehensive approach with open Latarjet and arthroscopic remplissage

Background

Severe bipolar bone loss (BBL) represents one of the toughest challenges when managing the instability of glenohumeral joints among athletes and more specifically the ones involved in overhead sports. It refers to the significant loss of the humeral head and the glenoid bone, with an increased risk of failure. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of a combined open Latarjet and arthroscopic remplissage in such high-risk individuals.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was carried out among athletes with antero-inferior loss of glenoid bone of more than 15 % and large off-track Hill-Sachs defect who underwent the Latarjet technique with iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) harvest used in combination with arthroscopic remplissage between 2021 and 2023. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, constant-Murley score (CMS), and the range of motion (ROM; measured as forward flexion, external rotation, and abduction) were evaluated pre-operative and post-operative at the timepoint of 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRI) and computed tomography scans (CT) were obtained among the patients with severe glenohumeral BBL, and the glenoid track was calculated to identify on-track and off-track Hill-Sachs lesions. Post-operative MRI with filled Hill-Sachs defect post remplissage procedure and 3D CT scan was also done at 6-month to evaluate the union of the ICBG to the native glenoid bone.

Results

Overall, 11 patients underwent for the combined procedure for severe BBL. The UCLA score (31.18 ± 3.74), and the CMS (93.64 ± 8.38) at the time-point of 1-year post-operatively showed remarkable improvement in comparison with the preoperative scores (P < 0.0001); and the ROM including abduction, external rotation, and forward flexion were restored to near normality. All patients showed bony union at 6-month as confirmed by post-operative CT scan. No complications such as redislocation or subluxation were observed over 1-year. There were no neurological complications or complications related to graft (graft migration or graft breakage or resorption) as well. All the athletes returned to sports activities at an average duration of 6.8-month post-operatively, with 73 % returning to sports at the level of pre-injury.

Conclusion

The combined procedure of ICBG Latarjet and arthroscopic remplissage for the treatment of severe BBL in athletes achieved satisfactory outcomes over 1-year, with all athletes returning to sports activities.

Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Using Single Needle-Assisted Outside-In Remplissage Technique and Bankart Repair

Arthroscopic repair of Bankart injury is the first choice for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. How to avoid recurring shoulder joint dislocation is a challenge, especially when combined with Hill-Sachs lesions. The arthroscopy technology allows for broader vision and less surgical trauma but is limited by a smaller operating space. At present, extensive descriptions about the surgical procedure of arthroscopic Bankart repair have been published. In this Technical Note, we describe the use of remplissage filling with Hill-Sachs lesion combined with Bankart repair to further improve the surgical accuracy and clinical efficacy. In particular, the application of single needle-assisted outside-in remplissage technique and Bankart repair is introduced in detail.

Arthroscopic Bankart with remplissage results in lower rates of recurrent instability with similar range of motion compared to isolated arthroscopic Bankart for anterior glenohumeral instability: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The addition of the remplissage procedure to an arthroscopic Bankart procedure has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, yet at the expense of potentially decreasing shoulder range of motion. The purpose of this study was to assess recurrent instability, range of motion, functional outcomes and rates of return to sport outcomes in patients undergoing an isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair compared to those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair in addition to the remplissage procedure.

METHODS

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a search was conducted using three databases (MEDLINE/OVID, EMBASE and PubMed). Retrieved studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for comparative studies. Data were extracted and meta-analysis performed using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies (13 level III studies, 2 level II studies and 1 level I) were included with a total of 507 and 704 patients in the Bankart plus remplissage and isolated Bankart repair groups, respectively. No studies reported glenoid bone loss of >20% with the least percentage of glenoid bone loss reported among studies being <1%. There was a significantly increased rate of recurrent dislocations (odds ratio [OR] = 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.380-7.48, p < 0.00001) and revision procedures (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.52-7.41, p = 0.003) in the isolated Bankart repair group compared to the Bankart plus remplissage group. Additionally, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of external rotation at side (n.s.), in abduction (n.s.) or at forward flexion (n.s.) at final follow-up. Furthermore, return to preinjury level of sport favoured the Bankart plus remplissage group (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.85, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart plus remplissage for anterior shoulder instability have lower rates of recurrent instability, higher rates of return to sport, and no significant difference in range of motion at final follow-up when compared to an isolated arthroscopic Bankart repair. Further large, prospective studies are needed to further determine which patients and degree of bone loss would benefit most from augmentation with the remplissage procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Arthroscopic Remplissage for Anterior Shoulder Instability

Background

There are several approaches such as the Bankart repair, Latarjet, and Remplissage to treat recurrent glenohumeral instability.

Indications

We chose to augment an arthroscopic Bankart repair with a Remplissage in this 26-year-old patient given the presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion, history of recurrent shoulder dislocations, and young age of the patient.

Technique Description

We established four portals using previously well-documented techniques. The Hill-Sachs lesion was evaluated using the anterosuperior portal. Two anchors were placed, one on both the superior and inferior aspects of the Hill-Sachs lesion. The sutures were shuttled through the knotless anchor mechanism and tensioned after confirming the cannula was through the deltoid. Then, we completed the Remplissage by repairing the infraspinatus tendon and capsule into the posterior humeral head.

Results

The Remplissage procedure is very successful at reducing recurrent instability in young, active patients. Previous studies have reported very low rates, even 0% recurrent instability, after surgery with 80% to 90% of patients returning to sports. Studies have also documented excellent patient-reported outcomes at short- to mid-term follow-up. Complication rates are historically lower when the Remplissage is done with an arthroscopic Bankart repair than the Bankart repair alone.

Discussion/Conclusion

The Remplissage procedure is a safe, effective option at reducing future instances of shoulder dislocations in conjunction with Bankart repairs. Patients can expect to return to their active lifestyles, with many patients achieving the same level of activity as before the initial shoulder dislocation.

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.

All-Arthroscopic Treatment of Off-Track Hill-Sachs Lesions Using Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Plugs: "Rocks in a Stream"

Osteochondral allograft transplantation is a well-described technique for the treatment of large, engaging Hill-Sachs lesions. Traditionally, osteochondral allografts are size-matched to the defect, which can be expensive and time-consuming, and the majority of described techniques require an open approach. This Technical Note describes an all-arthroscopic approach to Hill-Sachs osteochondral allograft transplantation using premade osteochondral allograft plugs, eliminating the need for size-matching and graft harvest. This approach works not by anatomically filling the defect, but rather by bridging the defect to prevent it from engaging the glenoid.

Editorial Commentary: Shoulder Remplissage Is a Beneficial Addition to Bankart or Glenoid Bone Loss Treatment: Stay on Track and Use Wisely

In patients with on-track shoulder Hill-Sachs lesions, the addition of remplissage using a double-pulley technique to Bankart repair improves outcomes including residual apprehension and without loss of external rotation. A caveat is that measurement of both the Hill-Sachs lesion and glenoid bone loss may be inconsistent. A second caveat is that determination of the glenoid track can be affected by scapular positioning. Not all "on-track" lesions are alike. In terms of outcome assessment, apprehension has up to 95% specificity for anterior shoulder instability and is a key finding in determining the results of shoulder stabilization. Recurrent instability may not be as sensitive of an outcome measure, because patients will avoid positions of apprehension. Finally, remplissage should be used cautiously in peripheral track lesions. For smaller Hill-Sachs lesions, remplissage can provide extraordinary success, and for larger lesions that are close to engaging, glenoid bone loss must also be treated, especially in a younger, active patient.