Arthroscopic Bankart and Remplissage for Anteroinferior Instability With Subcritical Bone Loss Has a Low Recurrence Rate

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.

Arthroscopic shoulder instability surgery in patients under 25 years of age: the key role of soft tissue with both anterior and posterior axillary hammock tensioning

BACKGROUND

The arthroscopic treatment of shoulder instability is widely debated in the literature and includes very different surgical techniques. Imaging techniques do not allow an accurate assessment of soft tissue quality. The aim of the study is to demonstrate that correct patient selection and a surgical technique involving anterior and posterior capsular ligament repair with axillary retention may be the most crucial factors for successful arthroscopic treatment.

METHODS

Patients with recurrent shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic stabilization between 2014 and 2015 and aged between 15 and 25 years, were included. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Specific exclusion criteria were critical bone loss and patients with genetic connective tissue disorders. Demographics, instability characteristics, surgical procedures, recurrences, both dislocations and subluxations, and surgical revisions were evaluated. The surgical procedure, always performed by the same surgeon, involved the use of a minimum of 3 double-suture fixation devices and repair/tensioning of the axillary hammock. Statistical analysis was based on the non-parametric Kendall statistical model and proportions test, with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 44 patients. The first dislocation occurred in 61.4% of cases between the ages of 15 and 19. The number of dislocations prior to surgery was < 3 in 29.5%, between 3 and 9 episodes in 25%, and 10 or more episodes in 45.5%. Defined by patients who had no recurrent dislocations and those whose symptom of instability or subluxation did not require surgical revision, the surgical success rate was 90.9%. During the follow-up period, 4.5% of patients required surgical revision. Patients who required none or one reduction maneuver or had less than three dislocation episodes were statistically correlated with no recurrences after surgery. After the first dislocation, the 88.6% of patients had recurrency. Furthermore, if treated after only one episode, 75% of patients were affected by an isolated capsulolabral injury. Prompt stabilization surgery allows a simpler procedure, due to a reduced bone damage and associated injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in a high-risk age group under 25 years, when the bone defect is subcritical, performing a standardised surgical technique including antero-posterior capsulolabral repair with axillary hammock retensioning demonstrates high success rates. Patients who correlate with the highest chance of success are those who have had less than three dislocation episodes and who have not undergone reduction manoeuvres, confirming the importance of soft tissue quality and thus of early treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registred.

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.

Blind-Tie Remplissage: Technique and Sequence

Patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and an associated Hill-Sachs lesion are commonly encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. Effective management of the Hill-Sachs lesion can be performed using an arthroscopic remplissage technique to fill the bony defect with the infraspinatus and posterior capsule. Various surgical techniques, anchor configurations, and tying mechanisms can be used to accomplish the remplissage procedure. The goal of this Technical Note is to describe our technique and sequence for accomplishing an arthroscopic "blind-tie" remplissage procedure. In this remplissage technique, the suture anchor sutures placed into the Hill-Sachs defect are tied in a blind fashion over the infraspinatus fascia without direct visualization from within the subacromial space.

Clinical Outcomes and Recurrence Rates After Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Stabilization With Selective Augmentations for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability in Athletes Versus Non-athletes With Subcritical Glenoid Bone Loss

Introduction Although some studies have reported good outcomes of soft tissue procedures in athletes, to our knowledge, no study has directly compared the clinical outcomes and recurrence rates of soft tissue procedures between athletes and non-athletes. Therefore, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes and recurrence rates between athletes and non-athletes with subcritical glenoid bone defects, who received arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization surgery for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Methods This retrospective comparative study included patients who received primary arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery for traumatic anterior shoulder instability, with a minimum two-year follow-up and a glenoid bone defect <20%. The patients were categorized into athlete or non-athlete groups. For the included patients, we performed one of the following procedures: arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), ABR with Hill-Sachs remplissage (HSR), or arthroscopic bony Bankart repair (ABBR). We investigated patient characteristics, including preoperative glenoid and humeral head pathology, and compared the two groups in terms of the Korean Shoulder Score for Instability (KSSI), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Rowe score, and range of motion (ROM) at two years postoperatively. Postoperative recurrence and reoperation rates were also compared. Results Altogether, 39 non-athletes and 15 athletes were included. Significantly higher KSSI (athletes: 98.00; non-athletes: 94.64; p = 0.012) was observed in the athletes than in the non-athletes. Meanwhile, the UCLA (athletes: 34.33; non-athletes: 33.87; p = 0.370) and Rowe (athletes: 96.67; non-athletes: 96.67; p = 0.460) scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Five (13%) non-athletes and one (7%) athlete experienced postoperative instability recurrence, which was not significantly different (p = 1.000). Fourteen (93%) athletes returned to sports completely after 5.4 months (range, 4-8 months) on average. Conclusion Arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization surgery yielded good clinical outcomes and low recurrence rates in both athletes and non-athletes with subcritical glenoid bone defects.

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.

Similar outcomes in collision athletes with subcritical glenoid bone loss and on-Track Hill Sachs lesion versus off-track Hill Sachs lesion managed with open Bankart repair plus inferior capsular shift

INTRODUCTION

Open Bankart repair plus inferior capsular shift has not yet been tested under the concept of glenoid track as a predictor of failure. The aim of this study was to compare the subjective and objective outcomes in collision athletes with subcritical glenoid bone loss and on-track Hill Sachs lesions versus those with off-track Hill Sachs lesions, all treated with open Bankart repair.

METHODS

Two study groups were created: 50 patients had on-track Hill Sachs lesions, while 38 had off-track lesions. The subcritical glenoid bone loss was ≤ 10%. A minimum follow-up period of 3 years was established. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation of each group and between them was performed. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale were used to assess subjective outcomes. Recurrence rate, range of motion and return to sport were evaluated as objective outcomes.

RESULTS

Significant differences were reported in the WOSI and ASES scores between preoperative and postoperative values in each group. There were no significant differences between the two groups (p-value = 0.36 and 0.71). Three dislocations (6%) in the on-track group and 3 (7.8%) in the off-track group were recorded, showing no differences between the two groups (p-value = 0.83). There were no differences in ROM between pre- and post-operatively in each group or when comparing the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no differences between the outcomes of the two groups. According to the surgeon's preference, we recommend performing open Bankart repair plus inferior capsular shift as a treatment alternative in collision athletes with SGBL ≤ 10% independently of the type of Hill Sachs lesion.

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.

Glenoid augmentation for subcritical bone loss: a narrative review

Background and Objective

Anterior shoulder instability can be debilitating for young, active individuals, and increasing magnitudes of glenoid bone loss (GBL) predisposes patients to recurrent instability and increases the likelihood of failure of soft-tissue only repairs. It is widely accepted that GBL >25% should be treated with a glenoid bone grafting procedure. However, consensus is lacking on the optimal management in the setting of subcritical GBL, typically classified as >13.5%. This article reviews the pathoanatomy relevant to anterior shoulder instability and subcritical GBL, while highlighting existing evidence regarding open augmentation procedures in comparison to other treatment options for this subpopulation.

Methods

A narrative review of the current literature was conducted focusing on subcritical GBL in anterior glenoid stabilization procedures, including review of forward citation and reference lists of selected articles.

Key Content and Findings

Computed tomography (CT) is the modality of choice for obtaining precise measurements of subcritical GBL, defined as <13.5%, using the best-fit circle method. There is debate surrounding the optimal surgical management of subcritical GBL. Arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) remains the predominate surgery performed for primary anterior shoulder instability, while glenoid augmentation and open Bankart repair continue to be used sparingly in the United States. Historically, the Latarjet procedure was considered for substantial glenoid defects, but the illumination of subcritical GBL has expanded its indications. Arthroscopic, soft tissue-only repairs with the addition of remplissage, has been shown to have similar 2-year outcomes to the Latarjet in patients with >15% GBL, which has been limited in the study of subcritical GBL. Additionally, utilization of distal tibial allograft and local autograft is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, again, with limited prospective studies in the subcritical GBL population.

Conclusions

There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment approach to recurrent shoulder instability in the setting of subcritical GBL. Conversely, there is a growing agreement that isolated ABR is likely inadequate and subcritical GBL should prompt consideration of a more robust operation. To this end, interest in glenoid bone augmentation continues to grow as a reliable technique for recreating the native architecture and restoring glenohumeral stability are developed.

Efficacy and safety of the Latarjet procedure for the treatment of athletes with glenoid bone defects ≥ 20%: a single-arm meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The shoulder joint is the most commonly dislocated joint in the human body, and the recurrence rate exceeds 50% after nonsurgical treatment. Although surgical treatment reduces the recurrence rate, there is controversy regarding the optimal surgical approach. Previous studies suggest that the Latarjet procedure yields favourable outcomes for specific populations at risk of recurrence, such as competitive athletes with significant glenoid defects. However, most of the existing related research consists of nonrandomized controlled trials with small sample sizes, and there is a lack of strong evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the Latarjet procedure.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Athletes with ≥ 20% glenoid defects were selected for inclusion. The following data were extracted: general patient information, instability rates, return to sports (RTS) rates, imaging features (graft positioning rate and graft healing rate), functional assessments [Rowe score, Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System(ASOSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), forward flexion function, and external rotation function], and complications.

RESULTS

After excluding suspected duplicate cases, a total of 5 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The studies involved a total of 255 patients, including 237 males (93%) and 18 females (7%). The average age at the time of surgery was 25.4 ± 8.5 years. All the studies had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years, with an average follow-up time of 48.7 ± 18.9 months. The pooled rate of return to sport (RTS) was 94.3% (95% CI: 87.3%, 98.8%), and 86.1% (95% CI: 78.2%, 92.5%) of patients returned to their preoperative level of activity. The pooled redislocation rate was 1.1% (95% CI: 0%, 3.8%). Regarding the imaging results, the combined graft retention rate was 92.1% (95% CI: 88.1%, 95.5%), and the graft healing rate was 92.1% (95% CI: 88%, 95.4%). Postoperative functional evaluation revealed that the combined Rowe score, ASOSS score, and VAS score were 93.7 ± 6.5 points, 88.5 ± 4.4 points, and 1.1 ± 10 points, respectively. The forward flexion and external rotation angles were 170.9 ± 6.9 degrees and 65.6 ± 4.5 degrees, respectively. After excluding one study with unclear complications, the combined complication rate was 9.4% (95% CI: 1.0%, 23.6%).

CONCLUSION

For athletes with shoulder instability and a total of ≥ 20% glenoid bone defects, the Latarjet procedure can achieve excellent functional outcomes, with the majority of patients returning to preoperative levels of sports activity. This procedure also leads to a low recurrence rate. Therefore, the Latarjet procedure has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment.

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.

Remplissage reduced sense of apprehension and increased the rate of return to sports at preinjury level of elite overhead athletes with on-track anterior shoulder instability

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the results of arthroscopic isolated Bankart repair (B) with Bankart repair plus Remplissage (B + R) procedure in contact overhead athletes with on-track anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A total of 64 athletes playing basketball, volleyball and handball in elite professional level who underwent arthroscopic isolated Bankart repair (34 patients) or Bankart repair plus Remplissage procedure (30 patients) with the diagnosis of recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2017 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Radiologically all patients had on-track Hill-Sachs defects and minimal or subcritical glenoid bone loss (< 13.5%). Patients were evaluated using pre- and postoperative pVAS, SANE, ASES, ROWE, WOSI scores and postoperative active ROM assessment. Patients were also asked for the frequency of any subjective apprehension and satisfaction with the surgery in four grades.

RESULTS

The mean ages of the groups B and B + R were 26.8 and 26 years (SD = 3.22), respectively; the mean follow-up times were 37.8 and 36.2 months (SD = 11.19). Compared with the preoperative status, there was a statistically significant improvement of all 5 postoperative outcome scores in both groups (P < 0.001). However, significant difference between the improvement of the groups were only found for the SANE (B: 22.3 ± 4.1, B + R: 26.3 ± 4.3; P = 0.0004), ASES (B: 26.1 ± 2.6, B + R: 30.2 ± 3.6; P < 0.001) and ROWE (B: 42 ± 3.7, B + R: 47.7 ± 2.8; P < 0.001) scores in favor of the group B + R. The loss of internal and external rotation of the adducted arm in group B + R was found to be approximately 5 degrees compared to the group B (P < 0.001). More than 80% of group B + R showed no apprehension in sports activities and almost completely returned to pre-injury athletic level, depicting statistically significant improvement compared to group B athletes (P = 0.002 and 0.036, respectively). 3 patients developed re-dislocation after isolated Bankart repair, whereas no re-dislocation occurred in the B + R group.

CONCLUSION

Adding Remplissage procedure to the Bankart repair provided an advantage in terms of both return to sport at preinjury level and the frequency of apprehension sensation during sports activity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Early Treatment of Shoulder Pathology Is Necessary but Not Enough Is Being Performed

Delayed treatment of shoulder instability results in bone loss requiring more-complicated surgery, in turn resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Similarly, delayed treatment of repairable rotator cuff tears results in irreparable tears requiring more-complicated surgery and resulting in less-optimal outcomes. Delayed treatment of shoulder pathology is a problem. Solutions include education and research investigation.