A simplified arthroscopic bone graft transfer technique in chronic glenoid bone deficiency.

Abstract

In severe shoulder instability, chronic glenoid bone deficiency is a challenge for arthroscopic shoulder surgeons. This paper presents a new all-arthroscopic technique of iliac crest bone graft transfer for those patients. Transportation through the rotator interval and repositioning into the glenoid defect is achieved by use of a tracking suture, while fixation of the graft is performed by biodegradable or titanium double-helix screws. Overall, the feasibility and reproducibility of this new reconstruction technique in recreating the bony and soft tissue anatomy of the antero-inferior glenoid could be demonstrated. So far, preliminary outcomes of 24 patients operated on using this technique are promising. Level of evidence Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.