Arthroscopic humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments (HAGL) repair.

Abstract

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments (HAGL lesion) is one of the pathologic lesions that occurs secondary to anterior glenohumeral instability. Although HAGL lesions occur less commonly than Bankart lesions in cases of anterior instability, it is necessary to understand this pathology and to make the necessary repair. An all-arthroscopic technique using suture anchors can be used to repair HAGL lesions, but it is a difficult and demanding technique. To facilitate this type of repair, the surgeon must be: (1) comfortable with both the 30 degrees and 70 degrees arthroscopes, (2) able to establish and use the 5-o'clock portal, (3) able to abduct and externally rotate the arm, and (4) able to ensure secure fixation of the glenohumeral ligaments to bone through adequate knot and loop security.