Background: Some full-thickness subscapularis tendon tears and partial tears of the deep layer are difficult to characterize, leading to misdiagnosis. Purpose: To evaluate the association between displacement of the middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) and retracted tears of the subscapularis tendon as a possible test to improve diagnosis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Videos (N = 100) recorded during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair involving a torn subscapularis tendon were analyzed retrospectively to assess the association between the MGHL test (nonvisibility of the MGHL) and other objective anatomic criteria. The invisible MGHL test was defined as positive if the MGHL was initially nonvisible in the beach-chair position and appeared only when the subscapularis tendon was pulled back into position by using a 30° arthroscope from the standard posterior portal. The parameters considered during the initial exploration were (1) visibility of the horizontal part of the subscapularis tendon; (2) visibility of the MGHL in its usual position, crossing the superior border of the subscapularis tendon; (3) exposure of the lateral border of the subscapularis tendon (full-thickness retracted tear); and (4) complete or partial exposure of the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Tendon retraction was evaluated in 3 stages according to the Patte classification. Results: The invisible MGHL test result was positive in 45% of cases. It was positive in 6% of cases (2 of 31) when there was no subscapularis tendon retraction and in 62% of cases (43 of 69) when there was partial or complete retraction ( P < .001). The invisible MGHL test was significantly associated with the width of the tear ( P < .001) and exposure of the lateral border of the subscapularis tendon (full-thickness retracted tear, P = .0002). After repair, the MGHL was visible in its anatomic position in 96% of cases. Conclusion: A positive invisible MGHL test is an alternative indication of subscapularis tendon retraction, and the relocation of the MGHL can also be used after repair to assess the proper anatomic repositioning of the subscapularis tendon.

Objectives: Arthroscopic adaptation of the Trillat procedure has become a part of the armamentarium for anterior shoulder instability. As the first team to have described a surgical technique, we present the results of our first 100 patients. Methods: This is a cohort study on a prospective database, descriptive of patients who had undergone surgery for chronic anterior shoulder instability between March 2011 the date our technique was developed, and October 2019. Patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated preoperatively (standard radiographs, CT scan) and postoperatively (standard radiographs) at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and by CT scan 6 months postoperatively to evaluate the consolidation of the coracoid fracture and subscapularis muscle trophicity. Functional results were evaluated by Constant, SSV, Walch/Duplay and Rowe scores and recurrences of accidents due to instability and complications were collated. Results: 100 patients, mean follow-up of 25 months (6-96), mean age, 29 years (15-73), 71% sportspeople, mean age at first episode, 20 years (7-59), 20% hyperlaxity. 67% notches, 22% bony Bankart, 15% glenoid wear and 2% rotator cuff tear. The surgical technique was identical, there were 3 operators, average operating time was 50 min (26-145), 70% were ambulatory, there were 13 fractures and no conversion to an open technique. At the last follow-up there were 3 recurrences of luxation and 4 recurrences of subluxation and in 4 cases failure to recover muscle tone was noted. 95% of the sportspersons resumed their activity, 81% at the previous level. One year postoperatively, the Walsh-Duplay score was 88 (40-100) and the Rowe score was 92 (40-100). There were 4 cases of pseudoarthrosis, 3 of which were due to a technical defect, 2 coracoid fractures, 1 case of resolving sepsis and no neurological complications. There was no damage to the subscapularis. 97% of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusion: This is the largest available series on the arthroscopic Trillat procedure. The results are identical to those in the preliminary series and as good as those for the reference techniques. Failures and complications were few and often the result of technical errors. The recovery of muscle tone in the limb on which surgery was performed seemed to influence the effectiveness of stabilization.

Arthroscopy has improved the diagnosis of subscapularis tendon lesions, and the outcomes of arthroscopic repair are satisfactory. Nonetheless, the diagnosis of some partial-and full-thickness subscapularis tears remains challenging. The middle glenohumeral ligament inserts distally into the articular surface of the subscapularis tendon and can be displaced when the subscapularis tendon is torn with retraction. This article describes the middle glenohumeral ligament test, which allows retracted lesions of the subscapularis tendon to be detected even if the superior edge is visible and normally placed. In addition, it allows control of the subscapularis tendon repair.