Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopic Glenoid Reconstruction With Subscapularis Tenodesis Results in Promising Clinical Outcomes, but Concerns Regarding Graft Resorption Rates Persist: A Long Way Toward a More Perfect Union

Abstract

The pros and cons of open and arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures have been studied exhaustively. Yet, in many situations, the rates of recurrent instability and overall complications associated with these techniques remain unacceptably high. Perhaps paradoxically, the refinement of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization techniques has only intensified the debate between proponents of either open or arthroscopic approaches, and although significant (however "significant" is defined), anteroinferior glenoid bone loss has historically been thought to constitute a relatively strong indication for an open bone augmentation procedure, surgeons, to their great credit, continue to push the limits of what can be accomplished arthroscopically. Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction has emerged as a viable option that may represent "the best of both worlds." Although modifications to the originally described arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction technique are promising, concerns persist regarding the fate of the graft and the durability of the procedure beyond short-term follow-up.

Regarding “Arthroscopic Iliac Crest Bone Allograft Combined With Subscapularis Upper-Third Tenodesis Shows a Low Recurrence Rate in the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Associated With Critical Bone Loss”

“…I would like to add some considerations to the Editorial Commentary by Cognetti and Sheean. 1 They underlined some limitations of bone block procedures, such as the long learning curve and the high percentages of malpositioning or nonunion and bone resorption. I would first inform the readers that the rate of recurrent instability in the 19 patients included in our study has remained at 11% in the past 2 years.…”