Recurrent anterior shoulder instability with significant bone loss represents a surgical challenge. Anterior bone block procedures including variations of the Latarjet coracoid transfer have been used in this setting. Bone graft resorption with prominence of the metalwork is a serious concern, whereas the relative contribution of the dynamic sling effect of a Latarjet procedure is still controversial. We describe an arthroscopic technique for anatomic reconstruction of anterior glenoid bone defects using autologous iliac crest graft. This technique allows accurate placement of the bone block; fixation with 2 knotless TightRope devices (Arthrex, Naples, FL), avoiding the use of screws; and a final labral repair. R ecurrent anterior shoulder instability is associated with bone loss in 90% of cases. With significant bone loss, primary arthroscopic Bankart repair carries a high risk of failure in more than 70% of cases. Although not clearly defined yet, biomechanical studies suggest that critical glenoid bone loss is around 20%. Most of the defects, though, are bipolar lesions and can be managed with glenoid-based surgery. On the glenoid side, the workhorse has been the Latarjet procedure and its variations. Other options include the use of tricortical iliac crest graft or distal tibial allograft. The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure has been gaining increasing popularity recently, whereas only a few arthroscopic techniques have been described for iliac crest bone graft.
1,2We describe an arthroscopic technique for reconstruction of the anterior glenoid with iliac crest graft. We use a specific posterior glenoid guide (Arthrex, Naples, FL) for accurate graft positioning, and the bone block is introduced through the rotator interval and secured in place with 2 knotless TightRope-RT devices (Arthrex), which are adjustable-length loop devices tensioned between cortical buttons (Arthrex) with a suture tensioner (Arthrex). This knotless fixation method eliminates the use of screws and their potential problems (Video 1, Table 1).
Indications and Preoperative PlanningWe consider arthroscopic reconstruction of the glenoid with iliac crest bone graft in cases with glenoid bone loss greater than 20%, in cases with glenoid bone loss between 10% and 20% in younger patients (aged <20 years) involved in competitive or contact sports, and in bipolar lesions involving the glenoid and humeral head. Patients usually undergo magnetic resonance arthrography and routinely undergo threedimensional computed tomography of the shoulder with digital subtraction of the humeral head to provide an en face sagittal view of the glenoid. The percentage of glenoid bone loss can be calculated by modeling the inferior aspect of the intact glenoid as a true circle.
Iliac Crest Graft HarvestingThe tricortical iliac crest graft is harvested from the ipsilateral side with the technique described by Warner et al. 2 The dimensions of the block are usually 2 cm in length  1 cm in height  1 cm in width, although the size can be customized dependin...