Numa Mercier

Arthroscopic Bankart-Bristow-Latarjet Procedure: The Development and Early Results of a Safe and Reproducible Technique

PURPOSE To evaluate the reproducibility and safety of a novel arthroscopic technique combining a Bristow-Latarjet procedure with a Bankart repair and to report the early clinical and radiologic results. METHODS Forty-seven consecutive patients with glenoid bone loss and capsular deficiency were treated with this all-arthroscopic technique; six patients had a failed arthroscopic capsulolabral repair. The coracoid fragment was osteotomized, passed with the conjoined tendon through the subscapularis muscle, and fixed in the standing position with a cannulated screw on the abraded glenoid neck. The capsule and labrum were then reattached on the glenoid rim, leaving the coracoid bone block in an extra-articular position. Potential intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. All patients were reviewed and had postoperative radiographs; 35 had computed tomography scans. RESULTS The procedure was performed entirely arthroscopically in 41 of 47 patients (88%); a conversion to open surgery was needed in 6 patients (12%). The axillary nerve was identified in all cases, and no neurologic injuries were observed. No patient had any recurrence of instability at the most recent follow-up (mean, 16 months). The mean Rowe score was 88 ± 16.7, and the mean Walch-Duplay score was 87.6 ± 12.9. The Subjective Shoulder Value was 87.5% ± 12.7%. The bone block was subequatorial in 98% of the cases (46 of 47) and flush to the glenoid surface in 92% (43 of 47); it was too lateral in 1 (2%) and too medial (>5 mm) in 3 (6%). There was 1 bone block fracture and 7 migrations. CONCLUSIONS The arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet-Bankart procedure is reproducible and safe. This procedure allows restoration of shoulder stability in patients with glenoid bone loss and capsular deficiency, as well as in the case of failed capsulolabral repair. Arthroscopy offers the advantage of providing adequate visualization of both the glenohumeral joint and the anterior neck of the scapula, allowing accurate placement of the bone block and screw. Surgeons should be aware that the procedure is technically difficult and potentially dangerous because of the proximity of the brachial plexus and axillary vessels. Training on cadaveric specimens and transition from open to mini-open and, finally, to all arthroscopic is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic Bankart-Bristow-Latarjet (2B3) Procedure: How to Do It and Tricks To Make it Easier and Safe

The all-arthroscopic technique that the authors propose combines a Bristow-Latarjet procedure with a Bankart repair. This combined procedure provides a triple blocking of the shoulder (the so-called 2B3 procedure): (1) the labral repair recreates the anterior bumper and protects the humeral head from direct contact with the coracoid bone graft (Bumper effect); (2) the transferred coracoid bone block compensates for anterior glenoid bone loss (Bony effect); and (3) the transferred conjoined tendon creates a dynamic sling that reinforces the weak anteroinferior capsule by lowering the inferior part of the subscapularis when the arm is abducted and externally rotated (Belt or sling effect). The procedure combines the theoretic advantages of the Bristow-Latarjet procedure and the arthroscopic Bankart repair, eliminating the potential disadvantages of each. The extra-articular positioning of the bone block together with the labral repair and capsule retensioning allows the surgeon to perform a nearly anatomic shoulder repair. This novel procedure allows the surgeon to extend the indications of arthroscopic shoulder reconstruction to the subset of patients with recurrent anteroinferior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss and capsular deficiency. It is an attractive surgical option to treat patients with a previous failed capsulolabral repair for which the surgical solutions are limited.

Arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet Combined With Bankart Repair Restores Shoulder Stability in Patients With Glenoid Bone Loss

BackgroundArthroscopic Bankart repair alone cannot restore shoulder stability in patients with glenoid bone loss involving more than 20% of the glenoid surface. Coracoid transposition to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocation according to Bristow-Latarjet is an efficient but controversial procedure.Questions/purposesWe determined whether an arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure with concomitant Bankart repair (1) restored shoulder stability in this selected subgroup of patients, (2) without decreasing mobility, and (3) allowed patients to return to sports at preinjury level. We also evaluated (4) bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis and (5) risk factors for nonunion and coracoid screw pullout.MethodsBetween July 2007 and August 2010, 79 patients with recurrent anterior instability and bone loss of more than 20% of the glenoid underwent arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet-Bankart repair; nine patients (11%) were either lost before 2-year followup or had incomplete data, leaving 70 patients available at a mean of 35 months. Postoperative radiographs and CT scans were evaluated for bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis. Any postoperative dislocation or any subjective complaint of occasional to frequent subluxation was considered a failure. Physical examination included ROM in both shoulders to enable comparison and instability signs (apprehension and relocation tests). Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were obtained at each review. Patients were asked whether they were able to return to sports at the same level and practice forced overhead sports. Potential risk factors for nonhealing were assessed.ResultsAt latest followup, 69 of 70 (98%) patients had a stable shoulder, external rotation with arm at the side was 9° less than the nonoperated side, and 58 (83%) returned to sports at preinjury level. On latest radiographs, 64 (91%) had no osteoarthritis, and bone block positioning was accurate, with 63 (90%) being below the equator and 65 (93%) flush to the glenoid surface. The coracoid graft healed in 51 (73%), it failed to unite in 14 (20%), and graft osteolysis was seen in five (7%). Bone block nonunion/migration did not compromise shoulder stability but was associated with persistent apprehension and less return to sports. Use of screws that were too short or overangulated, smoking, and age higher than 35 years were risk factors for nonunion.ConclusionsThe arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure combined with Bankart repair for anterior instability with severe glenoid bone loss restored shoulder stability, maintained ROM, allowed return to sports at preinjury level, and had a low likelihood of arthritis. Adequate healing of the transferred coracoid process to the glenoid neck is an important factor for avoiding persistent anterior apprehension.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.