Tensioning device increases coracoid bone block healing rates in arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in using suture buttons for coracoid fixation to avoid the complications associated with screws during the Latarjet procedure. However, achieving bone block healing is critical for successful shoulder stabilization and return to sport. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the healing rates and positioning of the coracoid bone block fixed with cortical suture buttons that were either manually tensioned (using a knot pusher) or mechanically tensioned (using a tensioning device) during arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. METHODS: This prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study enrolled 69 consecutive patients (mean age, 27 years) who underwent an arthroscopic guided Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation. Hand tensioning was performed in the first 34 shoulders, whereas the next 35 shoulders underwent mechanical tensioning. Twelve patients (17%) had a history of failed Bankart stabilization. The characteristics of the patients in each group in terms of age, sex, type of sport, bone loss, number of previous failed surgical procedures, smoking, and length of follow-up were comparable. Intraoperatively, the tensioning device was set at 100 N successively 3 times until complete immobilization of the bone block was confirmed, as assessed with a probe. The primary outcome measure was coracoid bone block union and position on computed tomography scan images at 6 months' follow-up. Secondary outcome measures included functional outcome scores, shoulder stability, return to sports, and complications at last follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, the rate of bone block healing was 74% (25 of 34 patients) in the hand-tensioning group and 94% (33 of 35 patients) in the mechanical tensioning group (P = .043). Smoking was an independent risk factor associated with nonunion (P < .001) in each group. Patient age, size of the preoperative glenoid bone defect (<20% or >20%), and a history of surgery were not found to have any influence. The tensioning modality did not affect the bone block position, which was subequatorial in 92% of the cases and flush with the glenoid rim in 92%. At a mean of 34 months of follow-up (range, 24-62 months), 96% of the patients (65 of 69) had a stable shoulder and 87% returned to sports. At final follow-up, no significant difference in clinical scores was noted between the groups; no neurologic or hardware complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Mechanical tensioning achieves significantly higher healing rates than hand tensioning during the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture-button fixation. The use of a suture-tensioning device is a key step to the suture-button fixation technique during arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. By making the suture-button construct rigid, the tensioning device transforms the initially flexible suture into a "rigid fixation", similar to a bolt (or a rivet).

The Injured Shoulder in High-Level Male Gymnasts, Part 1: Epidemiology and Pathoanatomy of Surgically Treated Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Weightbearing and traction-suspension movements with the upper limbs put considerable demands upon the shoulder region of high-level gymnasts. The diagnosis of instability in these gymnasts may be difficult because voluntary inferior shoulder subluxation is part of their training and is needed to perform some acrobatic figures. PURPOSE: To (1) assess the epidemiology of shoulder lesions requiring surgery, (2) describe the types of injuries and assess which maneuvers and equipment put the gymnast most at risk, and (3) present a pathoanatomic classification of the injured shoulder in high-level male gymnasts. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Over a 20-year period (1994-2014), 26 high-level male gymnasts (30 shoulders; mean age, 22 years; range, 16-33 years) were referred to our surgical center for shoulder pain or instability. Four gymnasts underwent surgery on both shoulders. All shoulders were evaluated clinically, radiologically, and arthroscopically. An independent observer evaluated the circumstances in which these lesions occurred, including the apparatus used and the maneuvers performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 8 months (range, 6-24 months). Eighteen injured shoulders (60%) had chronic overuse injuries. In 27 shoulders (90%), the mechanism of injury was traction of the arm in forced flexion-rotation while using suspension equipment with locked hands on the bars or the rings. In the remaining 3 shoulders, the traumatic position was one of an isometric muscle contraction against gravity, sustained while performing strength-and-hold positions on the rings. Based on the main presenting symptoms (pain and/or instability) and main anatomic lesions found during arthroscopy, the injured gymnasts' shoulders were classified into 2 categories: painful shoulders (n = 13) with no clinical, radiological, or arthroscopic findings of instability (mainly superior cuff and biceps anchor lesions) and unstable shoulders (n = 17) with isolated inferior capsule labral tears or mixed lesions (tendinous and capsulolabral). Some gymnasts with inferior labral tears had no recall of having suffered a dislocation or subluxation. CONCLUSION: The majority of injuries requiring surgery in this population occurred during traction in forced flexion-rotation using suspension equipment. Injured shoulders were classified as either painful or unstable shoulders.

The Injured Shoulder in High-Level Male Gymnasts, Part 2: Can Athletes Return to Competition After Surgery?

BACKGROUND: The results of surgical treatment of shoulder injuries in high-level male gymnasts have not yet been documented. PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and subjective results after surgical treatment of shoulder injuries in high-level gymnasts and the possibilities to return to sport at the same level. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Over a 20-year period (1994-2014), 23 high-level male gymnasts (26 shoulders) underwent surgery by a single experienced shoulder surgeon. At the time of surgery, 7 gymnasts competed at the international level, 12 at the national elite level, and 4 at the regional level. According to symptoms and anatomic lesions, the shoulders were classified into 2 groups: painful shoulders (n = 11) and unstable shoulders (n = 15). Fifteen capsulolabral repairs, 10 cuff debridements, 1 cuff repair, 4 SLAP (superior labral anterior and posterior) repairs, and 8 suprapectoral biceps tenodesis were performed. Twelve shoulders (46%) had >1 procedure performed. Outcomes assessment was performed by an independent observer at a mean of 5 years (range, 2-15 years) postoperatively. In addition, patients completed the Subjective Shoulder Value (range, 0%-100%). RESULTS: After shoulder surgery, 21 (91%) of the 23 gymnasts returned to competitive gymnastics, and 20 gymnasts (87%) regained their preinjury level of sport. All international-level gymnasts returned to their preinjury level of sport. Three athletes (13%) underwent revision surgery, and 1 athlete (4%) ended his career without returning to competition. The postoperative period before resumption of competitive gymnastics was 9 ± 3.5 months (mean ± SD). Of the 15 gymnasts treated for shoulder instability with arthroscopic stabilization, 12 were able to return to their previous level of sport. All 8 gymnasts who had arthroscopic biceps tenodesis were able to return to their previous level of sport, as opposed to only 2 of 4 gymnasts treated with SLAP repair. The gymnastics-specific Subjective Shoulder Value score was 80% ± 11%. CONCLUSION: Most gymnasts who required surgical treatment for a shoulder injury were able to return to competition at their previous level, although there was a considerable postoperative recovery period. Current arthroscopic reconstruction techniques were effective for treating structural lesions and allowing return to high-level gymnastics.

The Bristow-Latarjet procedure for revision of failed arthroscopic Bankart: a retrospective case series of 59 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence of anterior instability after arthroscopic Bankart prevents return to sports and remains a surgical challenge. We aim to assess clinical and radiologic outcomes after coracoid bone-block performed either open or under arthroscopy, for the management of failed arthroscopic Bankart PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients with anterior instability recurrence after arthroscopic Bankart were revised with a Bristow or Latarjet procedure performed either open (25 cases) or under arthroscopy (34 cases). Patients were reviewed for clinical and radiologic examination at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Glenohumeral bony lesions were evaluated preoperatively with computed tomographic scans. Postoperative bone-block position, union, and postinstability arthritis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 89 months (24-193). The epidemiologic analysis showed that patients with failed arthroscopic Bankart were young (age <23 years), 58 (98%) were practicing sports, with contact/forced overhead sports (53%), often in competition (53%), had hyperlaxity (71%), and for the most part of them glenohumeral bone loss (88%). Their mean preoperative Instability Severity Index Score was 5.4 ± 2.2 points. After revision with Bristow-Latarjet procedure, 53 patients (91%) returned to sports, 37 (70%) to their previous sports activity, and 17 (46%) to their previous level. No patient suffered recurrent dislocation. Four patients (7%) had recurrent subluxations, all after open procedure; 8 patients (14.5%) had persistent anterior apprehension. A large and deep Hill-Sachs lesion was a risk factor for persistent anterior apprehension (P = .002) and lower level when returned to sports (P = .04). Ninety-two percent of bone-blocks were positioned flush with the glenoid anterior rim, with 84% of bone union. At last follow-up, 5% of patients had severe postinstability osteoarthritis (Samilson 4). CONCLUSION: The Bristow-Latarjet, performed either open or under arthroscopy, is an efficient procedure to restore shoulder stability and allow returning to sports in patients with failed arthroscopic Bankart and glenoid bone loss. Patients with a large and deep Hill-Sachs lesion had more persistent anterior apprehension and a lower sports level.

The Role of Arthroscopic Soft Tissue Reconstruction for Failed Bristow-Latarjet Procedure.

PURPOSE: To analyze the functional results after unipolar or bipolar arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization in the treatment of recurrent anterior instability after a coracoid bone block procedure. METHODS: We studied a retrospective series of 41 patients (33 male, 8 female) with recurrent anterior shoulder instability after Bristow (n = 7) or Latarjet (n = 34) coracoid bone block treated with unipolar (isolated Bankart, n = 22) or bipolar (Bankart + Hill-Sachs remplissage, n = 19) arthroscopic stabilization. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 72 (25-208) months. Severe glenoid erosion (>25%) was found in 17 patients, and a medium or deep Hill-Sachs lesion (Calandra 2 and 3) was found in 24 patients. A radiographic control was available in 28 patients at final follow-up. Five patients (12%) presented a recurrence of instability (4 subluxations, 1 dislocation). Two patients required revision surgery, 1 in each group. At final follow-up, persistent anterior apprehension was more frequent in patients presenting with severe glenoid bone loss (P = .04) and in patients with medium or deep Hill-Sachs lesions who were treated with unipolar stabilization (P = .04). Return to sports was achieved in 81% of cases. Visual analog scale was 1.3 ± 2, subjective shoulder value was 83% ± 18%, Rowe score was 78 ± 24, and Walch-Duplay score was 76 ± 28. No patients developed severe glenohumeral arthritis (Samilson 4). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic soft tissue stabilization provides good functional results after failed coracoid bone block with an acceptable rate of recurrence and a return to sports in most cases. Patients with significant Hill-Sachs lesions showed better results when treated with combined Bankart repair and Hill-Sachs remplissage. Severe glenoid bone loss was associated with poorer functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Arthroscopic Latarjet: Suture-Button Fixation Is a Safe and Reliable Alternative to Screw Fixation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate mid-term clinical outcomes, complications, bone-block healing, and positioning using suture-button fixation for an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. METHODS: Patients with traumatic recurrent anterior instability and glenoid bone loss underwent guided arthroscopic Latarjet with suture-button fixation. We included patients with anterior shoulder instability, glenoid bone loss >20%, and radiographic and clinical follow-up minimum of 24 months. Patients with glenoid bone loss <20% or those that refused computed tomography imaging were excluded. Bone-block fixation was accomplished with 2 cortical buttons connected with a looped suture (4 strands). The looped suture was tied posteriorly with a sliding-locking knot. After transfer of the bone block on the anterior neck of the scapula, compression (100 N) was obtained with the help of a tensioning device. Clinical assessment was performed at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and then yearly with computed tomography completed at 2 weeks and 6 months to confirm bony union. RESULTS: A consecutive series of 136 patients underwent arthroscopic Latarjet with 121 patients (89%; mean age 27 years) available at final follow-up (mean follow-up, 26 months; range, 24-47 months). No neurologic complications or hardware failures were observed; no patients had secondary surgery for implant removal. The transferred coracoid process healed to the scapular neck in 95% of the cases (115/121). The bone block did not heal in 4 patients; it was fractured in 1 and lysed in another. Smoking was a risk factor associated with nonunion (P < .001). The coracoid graft was positioned flush to the glenoid face in 95% (115/121) and below the equator in 92.5% (112/121). At final follow-up, 93% had returned to sports, whereas 4 patients (3%) had a recurrence of shoulder instability. The subjective shoulder value for sports was 94 ± 3.7%. Mean Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were 90 (range, 40-100) and 91 (range, 55-100), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Suture-button fixation is an alternative to screw fixation for the Latarjet procedure, obtaining predictable healing with excellent graft positioning, and avoiding hardware-related complications. There was no need for hardware removal after suture-button fixation. The systematic identification of the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves reduced risk of neurologic injury. A low instability recurrence rate and excellent return to pre-injury activity level was found. Suture-button fixation is simple, safe, and may be used for both open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

A guided surgical approach and novel fixation method for arthroscopic Latarjet.

BACKGROUND: Most of the complications of the Latarjet procedure are related to the bone block positioning and use of screws. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an arthroscopic Latarjet guiding system improves accuracy of bone block positioning and if suture button fixation could be an alternative to screw fixation in allowing bone block healing and avoiding complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients (mean age, 27 years) underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a guided surgical approach and suture button fixation. Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed by postoperative computed tomography imaging. Clinical examinations were performed at each visit. RESULTS: At a mean of 14 months (range, 6-24 months) postoperatively, 75 of 76 patients had a stable shoulder. No neurologic complications were observed; no patients have required further surgery. The coracoid graft was positioned strictly tangential to the glenoid surface in 96% of the cases and below the equator in 93%. The coracoid graft healed in 69 patients (91%). CONCLUSIONS: A guided surgical approach optimizes graft positioning accuracy. Suture button fixation can be an alternative to screw fixation, obtaining an excellent rate of bone union. Neurologic and hardware complications, classically reported with screw fixation, have not been observed with this guided technique and novel fixation method.