Editorial Commentary: Delphi Expert Consensus Clarifies Evidence-Based Medicine for Shoulder Instability and Bone Loss.

Abstract

Anterior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone loss is a difficult problem and often requires open procedures with bone block augmentation. The current evidence suggests glenoid bone loss of 20% or more as a cutoff value indicating augmentation. Expert consensus-based techniques, such as the Delphi, clarify evidence-based medicine and allow pooling of expert opinion in a scientific fashion. These methods suggest that 3-dimensional computed tomography should be used to evaluate bone loss, previous dislocations, or failed soft-tissue surgery; Hill-Sachs lesions are poorly quantified by standard imaging; and, in cases with a bone deficit of >20%, glenoid bone graft should be considered. No consensus was reached regarding glenoid track evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation of bone loss, safety of arthroscopic Latarjet, remplissage use for Hill-Sachs lesions of less than 30%, indications for a shoulder sling for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, or postoperative rehabilitation timing and range-of-motion protocols.