Decision Making of the In-season Athlete with Anterior Shoulder Instability.

In-season management of anterior shoulder instability in athletes is a complex problem. Athletes often wish to play through their current season, though recurrent instability rates are high, particularly in contact sports. Athletes are generally considered safe to return to play when they are relatively pain-free, and their strength and range of motion match the uninjured extremity. If an athlete is unable to progress toward recovering strength and range of motion, surgical management is an option, though this is often a season-ending decision.

Biomechanics and Pathoanatomy of Posterior Shoulder Instability.

Posterior glenohumeral instability represents a wide spectrum of pathoanatomic processes. A key consideration is the interplay between the posterior capsulolabral complex and the osseous anatomy of the glenoid and humeral head. Stability is dependent upon both the presence of soft tissue pathology (eg, tears to the posteroinferior labrum or posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, glenoid bone loss, reverse Hill Sachs lesions, and pathologic glenoid retroversion or dysplasia) and dynamic stabilizing forces. This review highlights unique pathoanatomic features of posterior shoulder instability and associated biomechanics that may exist in patients with posterior glenohumeral instability.

Comparison between arthroscopic Bankart repair versus arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP lesion repair in limited-contact athletes with type V SLAP lesion. A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, recurrence rate, range of motion (ROM) and return to sports activities between arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) versus arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair (ABR/S) in limited contact-athletes with a type V SLAP lesion in the scenario of recurrent anterior shoulder instability (RASI). Our hypothesis was that there is no difference between the two treatments. METHODS: Two groups of 45 limited-contact athletes with type V SLAP lesion were created. Group 1 underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair, while group 2 had an arthroscopic Bankart/SLAP repair. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. The WOSI and ASES scores were used to assess primary functional outcomes. Recurrence rate, ROM and return to sport were also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant differences were reported in the WOSI and ASES scores pre- and post-operatively in each group. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.78 and 0.43). We reported 4 recurrences (8.8 %) in group 1 and 5 (11.1 %) in group 2, with no difference between them (P = 0.62). There were no significant differences between the range of motion of each of the groups as well as between them. More than 90% of the athletes in both groups returned to their previous sporting activities. CONCLUSIONS: Limited-contact athletes with RASI who have a type V SLAP lesion as their primary diagnosis can be treated using either ABR or ABR/S with equal efficacy. Both treatment alternatives preserve athlete's function, stability, ROM and return to sport.

Splitting the subscapularis at the upper two-third and lower one-third junction or in the middle during the Latarjet-Walch procedure does not affect the external rotation range of motion.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to investigate (1) the difference in external rotation range of motion (ROM) limitation between the two recommended subscapularis-splitting techniques (mid-split vs. upper 2/3rd -lower 1/3rd split) and (2) the differences in elevation ROM, internal rotation (IR) ROM, the functional outcomes and the IR strength between the two techniques in the Latarjet-Walch procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients with recurrent shoulder instability treated by the Latarjet-Walch procedure between January 2021 and January 2022. After a priori calculation of sample size, 32 patients were divided into two groups according to the type of intraoperative subscapularis split [upper 2/3rd -lower 1/3rd level split (LS group, n = 19) vs. mid-LS (MS group, n = 13)] performed in the Latarjet-Walch procedure. RESULTS: The final external rotation with the arm adducted deficit (as compared to opposite normal shoulder) was not significantly different between the LS (9° ± 8°) and the MS (10° ± 8°, P = .8) groups. The final ER with the elbow abducted @ 90° (ER2) deficit was not significantly different between that of the LS (14° ± 12°) and the MS groups (12° ± 9°, P = .5). Only in the MS group were the final ER with the arm adducted deficit (P = .03) and the final ER with the elbow abducted @ 90° deficits (P = .05) significantly better (smaller) than the corresponding baseline values. The Rowe scores (P = .2) and the Shoulder Subjective Value (P = .7) were not significantly different between the two groups. There were no postoperative subluxations in either group. However, 3 patients tested positive in apprehension testing in the LS group compared to none in the MS group, the difference being statistically insignificant. The IR strength was 95% of the normal, unaffected shoulder in the LS group and 93% of the normal in the MS group (P = .6). Computed tomography scan evaluation showed that the transverse diameter index of subscapularis (upper subscapularis diameter/lower subscapularis diameter) was not different in the MS (0.9 ± 0.1) and the LS (0.9 ± 0.1, P = .3) groups. CONCLUSION: We found no difference in final external rotation limitation between the upper 2/3rd - lower 1/3rd vs. mid-level subscapularis split techniques. The functional outcomes, the IR strength, subscapularis transverse diameter index, and fatty infiltration in the computed tomography scan were similar in both groups.

Editorial Commentary: Double-Pulley Remplissage Using Transtendon Anchors: Keep It Simple.

A large Hill-Sachs lesion that engages the glenoid rim and predisposes to recurrent anterior instability confers a substantial management challenge. Arthroscopic remplissage, either in isolation or combined with anterior labral repair, gives the arthroscopic surgeon a tool to stabilize the shoulder without reverting to more extensive open procedures or bone block reconstructions. In arthroscopic remplissage, the posterior capsule and infraspinatus are sutured into the humeral defect to limit such engagement between the HilleSachs lesion and the glenoid rim. The double-pulley technique using 2 transtendon anchors makes arthroscopic remplissage technically simpler, and potentially more reproducible, than earlier techniques. As we refine remplissage techniques, we need to further explore issues such as the optimal distance between the 2 anchors (and hence the resultant tendon bridge) as this distance-along with the pliability of the tendon-potentially determines how much compression against the bone can be achieved. Furthermore, as remplissage techniques are proven to be effective in restoring shoulder stability and conferring successful clinical function, there is even more need for high-quality comparative studies to define their role versus that of more extensive open stabilization procedures. Mechanistic studies are also needed to define the fill-effect versus the possible check-rein and neuromuscular control activation components of remplissage.

Comparison of anterior single- and standard two-portal techniques in arthroscopic Bankart repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing a single anterior portal or a standard two-portal arthroscopic procedure for Bankart repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and March 2018, a total of 71 consecutive patients (53 males and 18 females; mean age: 33.3±10.3 years; range, 17 to 56 years) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with a minimum two-year follow-up period were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the arthroscopic technique used: single anterior portal group (Group 1, n=32) and standard two-portal group (Group 2, n=39). Demographic and surgical characteristics of the patients were recorded. Pre- and postoperative clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the external rotation degree, as well as Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale, Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Oxford Shoulder Instability Score (OSIS), and Rowe scores. The clinical and functional outcomes and revision rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 32.0±7.4 months in Group 1 and 38.0±13.4 months in Group 2 (p=0.222). Good-to-excellent postoperative functional and clinical outcomes were achieved in both groups at the final follow-up, compared to baseline (p<0.001 for all). No significant difference was observed in the postoperative outcomes including daily sports activity, VAS, ASES, UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale, CMS, OSIS, and Rowe scores, and external rotation restriction degrees between the groups (p=0.270, p=0.190, p=0.313, p=0.248, p=0.125, p=0.203, p=0.318, p=0.083, respectively). The operative time in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 2 (60.3±8.3 vs. 71.4±7.2, respectively; p=0.001). Four patients (5.6%) experienced recurrent dislocation with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.622). No significant complications occurred in the peri- or postoperative period. Fifty-eight (81.7%) patients returned to their preoperative sports activity level. The mean time to return to sports was 7.2±1.7 months. CONCLUSION: Good-to-excellent clinical and functional outcomes can be obtained after arthroscopic Bankart repair, regardless of the use of a single or two anterior working portals. However, the single-portal technique is associated with reduced the operative time, compared to two-portal technique.

Immobilisation in external rotation after first-time traumatic anterior shoulder instability reduces recurrent instability: a meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: Cadaveric and MRI findings have demonstrated significantly less labral separation and displacement when the shoulder is placed in external rotation as compared with internal rotation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study is to meta-analyse the randomised controlled trials in the literature to compare immobilisation in external versus internal rotation after first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomised controlled trials comparing immobilisation in external rotation versus internal rotation for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included. FINDINGS: Nine randomised controlled trials with 795 patients were included. The mean age of included patients was 29 years, 82.4% were male and the mean follow-up was 25.5 months. As compared with immobilisation in internal rotation, compliance was significantly higher (74.5% vs 67.4%, p=0.01), and the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower (22.2% vs 33.4%, p=0.02) with immobilisation in external rotation. Additionally, in patients 20-40 years old the rate of recurrent dislocations was significantly lower in those treated with immobilisation in external rotation than internal rotation (12.1% vs 31.4%, p=0.006). Immobilisation in external rotation also resulted in a higher rate of return to preinjury level of play (60.1% vs 42.6%, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Immobilisation of the shoulder in external rotation after a traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocation results in a higher compliance rate, a lower recurrent dislocation rate and a higher rate of return to play as compared with immobilisation in internal rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Recurrent Instability and Surgery Are Common After Nonoperative Treatment of Posterior Glenohumeral Instability in NCAA Division I FBS Football Players.

BACKGROUND: In-season return to play after anterior glenohumeral instability is associated with high rates of recurrent instability and the need for surgical stabilization. We are not aware of previous studies that have investigated in-season return to play after posterior glenohumeral instability; furthermore, as posterior shoulder instability in collision athletes occurs frequently, understanding the expected outcome of in-season athletes may improve the ability of physicians to provide athletes with a better understanding of the expected outcome of their injury and their ability to return to sport. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What proportion of athletes returned to play during the season after posterior instability in collegiate football players? (2) How much time did athletes lose to injury, what proportion of athletes opted to undergo surgery, and what proportion of athletes experienced recurrent instability after a posterior instability episode during a collegiate football season? METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, observational study of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 Football Bowl Subdivision athletes was performed at three US Military Service Academies. Ten athletes who sustained a posterior instability event during the regular football season and who pursued a course of nonoperative treatment were identified and prospectively observed through the subsequent season. All athletes in the observed cohort attempted an initial course of nonoperative treatment during the season. All athletes sustained subluxation events initially identified through history and physical examination at the time of injury. None of the athletes sustained a dislocation event requiring a manual reduction. Intraarticular pathology consisting of posterior labral pathology was further subsequently identified in all subjects via MRI arthrogram. Return to play was the primary outcome of interest. Time lost to injury, surgical intervention, and subsequent instability were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 10 athletes who opted for a trial of initial nonoperative management, seven athletes were able to return to play during the same season. Although these seven athletes returned within 1 week of their injury (median of 1 day), 5 of 7 athletes sustained recurrent subluxation events with a median (range) of four subluxation events per athlete (0 to 8) during the remainder of the season. Seven athletes were treated surgically after the completion of their season, four of whom returned to football. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that although collegiate football players are able to return to in-season sport after a posterior glenohumeral instability event, they will likely sustain multiple recurrent instability events and undergo surgery after the season is completed. The results of this study can help guide in-season management of posterior shoulder instability by allowing more appropriate postinjury counseling and decision making through the identification of those athletes who may require additional attention from medical staff during the season and possible modifications to training regimens to minimize long-term disability. Further prospective studies involving a larger cohort over several seasons should be performed through collaborative studies across the NCAA that better assess function and injury risk factors before beginning collegiate athletics. This would better characterize the natural history and associated functional limitations that athletes may encounter during their collegiate careers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic study.

A comparative study on use of two versus three double-loaded suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare clinical results of repair using two versus three double-loaded suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2012 and December 2017, a total of 40 patients (38 males, 2 females; mean age: 31.6±8.1; range: 17 to 47 years) who underwent Bankart arthroscopic surgery and were followed for minimum two years were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1 (n=17) underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with two double-loaded suture anchors, while Group 2 (n=23) underwent repair with three double-loaded suture anchors. Clinical outcomes of the patients and recurrences were compared. RESULTS: At the final postoperative follow-up, a significant improvement was observed in the functional outcomes in all patients. No statistically significant difference was found (p>0.05) in the mean clinical scores of the Constant Shoulder Score between Group 1 (94.2±7.8) and Group 2 (95.4±4.1). There was no significant difference in the mean Rowe scores (Group 1: 95.6±4.6 vs. Group 2: 96.3±3.8, respectively) and external rotation loss (at neutral Group 1: 1.9° vs. Group 2: 2.2°, respectively). Three of our patients had recurrent dislocation during a major traumatic event (n=2 in Group 1 and n=1 in Group 2). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that stability is not correlated with the use of either two versus three double-loaded suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repairs.

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.

The Incidence of Posterior and Combined AP Shoulder Instability Treatment with Surgical Stabilization Is Higher in an Active Military Population than in the General Population: Findings from the US Naval Academy.

BACKGROUND: Anterior instability has consistently been shown to be the most common type of glenohumeral instability. Recent studies have demonstrated a higher percentage of posterior and combined (anterior and posterior) instability than had previously been reported; however, this work has not been replicated recently in a particularly young military population, which may be representative of an especially athletic or high-demand group. QUESTION/PURPOSE: What proportion of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures are performed to address isolated anterior instability, isolated posterior instability, and combined instability in a young, military population? METHODS: Between August 2009 and January 2020, two sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons performed arthroscopic shoulder surgery on 543 patients at a single institution. During that time, the indication to be treated with arthroscopic stabilization surgery was symptomatic glenohumeral instability, as diagnosed by the operative surgeon, that restricted patients from carrying out their military duties. Of those, 82% (443 of 543) could be evaluated in this retrospective study, while 18% (100 of 543) were excluded due to either incomplete data or because the procedure performed was not to address instability. No patient underwent an open stabilization procedure during this period. Of the 443 patients investigated, the mean age was 22 ± 4 years, and 88% (392 of 443 patients) were men. Instability type was characterized as isolated anterior, isolated posterior, or combined (anterior and posterior) according to the physician's diagnosis as listed in the patient's clinical records and operative reports after the particular capsulolabral pathology was identified and addressed. RESULTS: Isolated anterior instability occurred in 47% of patients (210 of 443). Isolated posterior instability happened in 18% of patients (80 of 443), while combined anteroposterior instability occurred in 35% of patients (153 of 443). CONCLUSION: Shoulder instability is common in the military population. Although anterior instability occurred most frequently, these findings demonstrate higher proportions of posterior and combined instability than have been previously reported. Surgeons should have a heightened suspicion for posterior and combined anteroposterior labral pathology when performing arthroscopic stabilization procedures to ensure that these instability patterns are recognized and treated appropriately. The current investigation examines a unique cohort of young and active individuals who are at particularly high risk for instability and whose findings may represent a good surrogate for other active populations that a surgeon may encounter.Level of Evidence Level III; therapeutic study.

Arthroscopic reduction and subscapularis remplissage (ARR) of chronic posterior locked shoulder dislocation leads to optimized outcomes and low rate of complications.

PURPOSE: Unrecognized posterior shoulder dislocation with a concomitant humeral head fracture affects joint function and no consensus exists regarding treatment. The present study analyses clinical and radiographic outcomes of a novel arthroscopic technique for reducing chronic locked posterior shoulder dislocation associated with subscapularis remplissage. METHODS: The study comprises a retrospective analysis of consecutive chronic posterior locked shoulders (CPLS) with minimum 2-years follow-up of patients who had undergone McLaughlin technique arthroscopic modification for the treatment of CPLS with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. Active range of motion (ROM), Western Ontario (WOSI) and Constant Score (CS), were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected pre- and post-operatively, recording bone defect, osteoarthritis, cuff integrity/fatty infiltration, and the grade of filling of the reverse Hill-Sachs. RESULTS: Twelve male patients with a mean follow-up of 37.3 months ± 10.5 (range, 24-58) were included. Mean WOSI and CS scores improved from 41 to 92 and 28 to 94 points, respectively. ROM measurements all had significantly increased at final follow-up, with no significant differences in arm rotation. No defects were left unfilled at final MRI examination. CONCLUSION: The results of this uncontrolled study with a limited number of patients confirm that arthroscopic reduction and subscapularis remplissage is a highly effective and satisfactory treatment method resulting in no shoulder rotation deficits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Surgical stabilization of pediatric anterior shoulder instability yields high recurrence rates: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the surgical techniques, indications outcomes and complications for pediatric patients (≤ 19 years old) undergoing shoulder stabilization procedures for anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from data inception to March 14, 2019 for articles addressing surgery for pediatric patients with anterior shoulder instability. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool was used to assess the quality of included studies. RESULTS: Overall 24 studies, with a total of 688 patients (696 shoulders) and a mean age of 16.6 ± 2.5 years met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 49 ± 26 months. The majority (59%) of studies only offered shoulder stabilization procedures to patients with more than one shoulder dislocation, however, three studies reported operating on pediatric patients after first time dislocations. Of the included patients 525 had arthroscopic Bankart repair (78%), 75 had open Bankart repair (11%), 34 had modified Bristow (5%), and 26 had Latarjet (4%) procedures. The overall complication rate was 26%. Patients undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair experienced the highest recurrence rate of 24%. There were no significant differences in recurrent instability (n.s.) or loss of external rotation (n.s.) in pediatric patients treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair compared to open Latarjet. Patients had a 95% rate of return to sport at any level (i.e. preinjury level or any level of play) postoperatively (95%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric patients are at high risk of recurrent instability after surgical stabilization. The majority of pediatric patients with anterior shoulder instability were treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair. Most studies recommend surgical stabilization only after more than one dislocation. However, given the high rates of recurrence with non-operative management, it may be reasonable to perform surgery at a first-time dislocation, particularly in those with other risk factors for recurrence. With the current evidence and limited sample sizes, it is difficult to directly compare the surgical interventions and their post-operative efficacy (i.e. re-dislocation rates or range of motion). There was an overall high rate of return to sport after surgical stabilization at final follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

The novel arthroscopic subscapular quadriceps tendon-bone sling procedure provides increased stability in shoulder cadavers with severe glenoid bone loss.

PURPOSE: Treatment of anterior glenoid bone loss in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a challenge. The subscapular sling method with quadriceps tendon bone (QTB) graft is a modification of the subscapular sling with a semitendinosus (ST) graft. The aim of the study was to test the biomechanical stability of the QTB sling procedure in human shoulder cadavers with severe anterior glenoid bone loss. METHODS: Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were tested with a force-moment-guided robot in three conditions: physiologically intact, anterior glenoid bone resection, and the subscapular sling procedure with a QTB graft. Joint stability was measured in anterior, anterior inferior and inferior directions in four glenohumeral joint positions: 0° and 60° of glenohumeral abduction, with each at 0° and 60° of external rotation. Maximum external rotation was measured at 0° and 60° glenohumeral abduction. Computer tomography scans were obtained preoperatively to plan the glenoid bone resection, as well as postoperatively to calculate the proportion of the glenoid bone actually resected. RESULTS: Significantly decreased translations were observed in the shoulders with the QTB sling compared to the intact joint and the glenoid bone loss model. No significant differences in maximum external rotation were observed between the three different conditions. CONCLUSION: This biomechanical study revealed a significant stabilizing effect of the arthroscopic subscapular QTB graft sling procedure in human shoulder cadavers without compromising external rotation. Clinical trials may reveal the usefulness of this experimental method.

Measuring Bone Loss in the Unstable Shoulder: Understanding and Applying the Track Concept.

An interesting international debate has been developed over the past 10 years (the last decade) surrounding the surgical procedure for recurrent anteroinferior instability and a definitive consensus is lacking on the factors which favor one technique over another, especially when bone loss is present (soft tissue vs. bone block). Glenoid bone loss is commonly observed in the shoulder with anterior instability, and it is difficult to evaluate the shape of the glenoid using plain radiograph, therefore, computed tomography or intraoperative observation is recommended for accurate assessment of glenoid bone loss and Hill-Sachs lesion. When we consider the bony defect of the glenoid as a risk factor for surgical failure, it is crucial to take into consideration the features of a concomitant Hill-Sachs lesion. However, all the previous reports focusing on the size of the Hill-Sachs lesion or on the glenoid bone loss in isolation, overlook the interaction of the 2 lesions through the arc of range of motion and how this may influence instability. The glenoid track is the first model to determine, in a dynamic way, how bone loss on both sides of the joint can lead to instability. The glenoid track is a zone of contact created by the glenoid on the humeral articular surface when the arm is moved along the end-range of motion (abduction and external rotation). The use of the glenoid track concept can potentially help guide surgical decision-making.

Risk Factors for Recurrent Anterior Glenohumeral Instability and Clinical Failure Following Primary Latarjet Procedures: An Analysis of 344 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients with a greater risk of recurrent instability and inferior clinical outcomes following a primary Latarjet procedure can be preoperatively identified on the basis of clinical, radiographic, and demographic criteria. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors influencing the rates of recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and clinical failure following a primary Latarjet procedure. METHODS: All patients who underwent a primary Latarjet procedure were prospectively enrolled and evaluated. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) outcome scores were collected at a minimum 5-year follow-up along with evidence of recurrent instability. Recurrent instability (recurrent subluxation or dislocation) was considered as a failure. Clinical failure was defined as a postoperative WOSI score of ≥630 points (≤70% normal) or a SANE score of ≤70 points. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2014, 344 patients (358 shoulders) with a mean age of 30.6 years (range, 16 to 68 years) were enrolled and had a mean follow-up time of 75 months (range, 61 to 89 months). The median postoperative WOSI score was 265 points (range, 0 to 1,100 points), and the median SANE score was 88 points (range, 50 to 100 points). Recurrence occurred in 17 shoulders (4.7%), 5 with dislocation and 12 with subluxation; and 28 (8.2%) of 341 shoulders without recurrent instability were clinical failures following a Latarjet procedure. The risk factors for recurrence included atraumatic dislocation (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; p < 0.01) and bilateral instability (OR, 4.0; p = 0.01), whereas the risk factors for clinical failure (WOSI score of ≥630 points or SANE score of ≤70 points) were female sex (OR, 2.8; p < 0.01) and bilateral instability (OR, 4.6; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes at a mean of >6 years following a primary Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability were very good, with an overall recurrence rate of 4.7%. An additional 8.2% of cases were defined as clinical failures. Patients with an atraumatic mechanism of primary dislocation, bilateral instability, and female sex were identified to be at a greater risk of recurrence or clinical failure. Although additional work is necessary, patients with capsuloligamentous laxity, relatively atraumatic instability history, bilateral instability, and female sex may be preoperatively identified as having a higher risk of treatment failure after a primary Latarjet procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Injury Mechanism of Acute Anterior Shoulder Dislocation Associated with Glenoid and Greater Tuberosity Fractures: A Study Based on Fracture Morphology.

OBJECTIVE: Based on the morphological characteristics of glenoid and greater tuberosity (GT) fractures and the relationship between them, we explored the injury mechanism of acute anterior shoulder dislocation associated with glenoid and GT fractures. METHODS: From December 2013 to December 2019, we retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who were diagnosed with acute anterior shoulder dislocation associated with glenoid and GT fractures in our hospital. According to the fracture site, a glenoid fracture group and a greater tuberosity fracture (GT) group were established, and the morphological characteristics of both glenoid and GT fractures were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients (43 shoulders) met the inclusion criteria (39 unilateral shoulders and 2 bilateral shoulders). The mean age was 50.21 years (range, 22-71 years). A total of 27 shoulder injuries (62.8%) were split GT fractures and 33 shoulder injuries (76.7%) were combined with rotator cuff tears. The mean size of glenoid fragments was 30.16% and the mean displacement was 8.85 mm. The mean size of GT fragments was 28.43 mm. The mean superoinferior and anteroposterior displacements of the GT fragment were 6.77 mm and 4.96 mm, respectively. There was a negative correlation between the size of glenoid and GT fracture fragments (r = -0.64, P < 0.05). The glenoid fragments in the Ideberg type Ia glenoid fracture group were smaller than those in the Ideberg type II glenoid fracture group (28.41% and 40.95%, respectively), while the size of GT fragments in the type Ia group were larger than those in the type II group (29.77 mm and 20.21 mm, respectively) (P < 0.05). The GT fragments in the split GT fracture group were larger than those in the avulsion or depression GT fracture group (33.69 mm, 19.07 mm and 21.12 mm, respectively), while the size of glenoid fragments in the split GT fracture group were smaller than those in the avulsion or depression GT fracture group (23.57%, 41.37%, and 43.42%, respectively) (P < 0.05). As for the displacement direction of GT fragments, depression fractures were mainly inferior displacements, avulsion fractures were mainly anterosuperior displacements, while split fractures were mainly posteroinferior displacements (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis suggested that the type and the fragment size of GT fractures have a significant influence on the size of glenoid fragments. CONCLUSION: Acute anterior shoulder dislocations associated with glenoid and GT fractures are often combined with rotator cuff tears. There is a negative correlation between the size of glenoid and GT fragments, and split GT fractures are most common. Such injuries are highly correlated to the relative spatial location between the GT and the glenoid when the shoulder dislocates.

Simultaneous bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation as a result of minimal trauma.

Simultaneous bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation is rare, it often occurs after high energy trauma, we report a case of a 43-years-old male presented with bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation when he tries to stand up from the floor, shoulders in extension, abduction and external rotation. A closed reduction was performed without complications, and one month later the right shoulder was stabilized by open Laterjet technique. The evolution was favorable for both shoulders with no pain, recuperation of the range motion and no recurrence of dislocation. Through this case we underline the value of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation, to avoid complications and obtain good result.

Proximal-medial part in the coracoid graft demonstrates the most evident stress shielding following the Latarjet procedure: a simulation study using the 3-dimensional finite element method.

BACKGROUND: Although the osteolysis of the coracoid graft is frequently observed after the Latarjet procedure particularly in its proximal part, its pathomechanism is not well understood. METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element glenohumeral joint models were developed using CT-DICOM data of 10 normal shoulders. A 25% bony defect was created on the anterior glenoid rim, and the coracoid process was transferred flush with the glenoid cartilage using 2 half-threaded screws. In the hanging arm as well as in the 90° abducted positions, a compressive load (50 N) was applied to the greater tuberosity toward the center of the glenoid and a tensile force (20 N) was applied to the coracoid tip along the direction of the conjoint tendon. Next, elastic analysis was performed, and the distribution patterns of the equivalent stress as well as the maximum principal stress were compared among 4 parts (proximal/distal and medial/lateral) of the coracoid graft. RESULTS: Both the equivalent stress and the maximum principal stress were reduced in the proximal half of the coracoid graft. A high stress concentration was observed in the lateral aspect of the coracoid graft particularly in the 90° abducted position. The proximal-medial part demonstrated the lowest equivalent stress as well as the maximum principal stress for both arm positions, which were significantly lower than those in the distal 2 parts. CONCLUSION: In the Latarjet procedure, the proximal-medial part of the coracoid graft demonstrated the most evident stress shielding, which may play an important role in postoperative osteolysis.

Return to sport testing at 6 months after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization reveals residual strength and functional deficits.

OBJECTIVES: A good outcome after arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent shoulder instability is often characterized by a successful return to sport while minimizing complications. There is currently no consensus regarding timing or objective criteria for return to sport. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ability of postoperative patients to meet expected goals by using standardized objective evaluations of strength and physical function. METHODS: Forty-three (10 females, 76.7% male) subjects (mean age, 18.1 ± 3.7 years) who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery (anterior or posterior) from 2016 until 2018 were referred during their postoperative rehabilitation for functional testing at 6 months postoperatively to evaluate their readiness for return to sport. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test and Unilateral Seated Shot Put test were used to assess shoulder function. Posterior rotator cuff activation was evaluated using a repetition to failure technique with 5% body weight at 0° and 90° of abduction with the goal of 90% of nonoperative extremity. Isokinetic strength testing of external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) was evaluated using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60° and 180° per second, and a passing score was considered achieving 90% of nonoperative shoulder strength at both 60° and 180° per second. RESULTS: All subjects were competitive athletes (20 collegiate, 23 high school). The dominant extremity was the surgical extremity in 22 subjects. Only 5 subjects were able to successfully pass the battery of tests for strength and function. Strength testing revealed that 7 patients achieved 90% of the strength of the nonoperative extremity in both repetitions to failure (23 of 43) and comparative isokinetic testing (7 of 43). More subjects were able to meet IR strength (20 of 43) than ER strength (12 of 43) goals. Functional test goals were more frequently achieved, with 26 of 43 subjects meeting both functional test goals (33 Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability, 34 Unilateral Seated Shot Put). Only 2 subjects were able to achieve strength goals but did not pass functional tests, whereas 21 subjects passed functional tests without meeting strength goals. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of athletes in our cohort do not meet the expected goals for their operative shoulder in achieving appropriate function and strength, compared with the contralateral shoulder. Functional goals were more often met than strength. IR strength goals were more frequently achieved than ER strength. Strength and functional testing could provide more reliable criteria than arbitrary passage of time for return to play after shoulder stabilization surgery.