Arthroscopic Iliac Crest Autograft Glenoid Augmentation Using Tape Cerclage Fixation for Bony Deficiency and Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Improves Functional Outcomes and Achieves High Union Rates With Graft Resorption in Nonloaded Areas.

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical outcomes, return-to-sport rate, and graft remodeling after arthroscopic iliac crest bone autograft (ICBA) tape cerclage fixation for glenoid bone loss (GBL) in recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Case series of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability with GBL ≥15% who underwent arthroscopic ICBA metal-free tape cerclage fixation between February 2019 and March 2022 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, return to sport, instability recurrence, and complications were collected preoperatively and at postoperative follow-ups. Graft resorption mapping was assessed by evaluating the distribution of articular surface remodeling on sagittal computed tomography scans. The graft surface was divided in 2 columns: the inner (loaded) column and the outer (nonloaded) column. Twenty-eight patients with a mean age of 29.1 ± 7.9 years and a mean follow-up of 37.6 ± 5.8 months were included. The mean GBL was 18.4% ± 3.4% (range, 15%-25%). External rotation was 4° lower (P < .001) compared to the uninjured side. Patient-reported outcomes significantly improved from baseline to 2-year follow-up (P < .001): Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, 37.2 ± 18.7 to 94.9 ± 8.8; Rowe, 30.2 ± 16.4 to 96.1 ± 11.5; Constant-Murley, 83 ± 13.6 to 98.7 ± 3.2; and Subjective Shoulder Value, 43.5 ± 21.3 to 96.5 ± 8.3. Twenty-one patients (88%) returned to their previous sport level at a mean of 4.8 ± 1.7 months. No recurrent instability was reported. The glenoid surface area increased from 81.6% preoperatively to 120.1% immediately postsurgery (P < .001) and decreased to 101.2% at 1 year (P < .001) and to 98.2% at 2 years postoperative (P = .018). Graft resorption mapping showed higher osteolysis of the graft in the nonloaded area compared to the loaded area at 2 years postoperative (94.2% ± 12.9% vs 8.7% ± 15%, respectively, P < .001). Arthroscopic glenoid reconstruction using ICBA fixed with tape cerclage is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with GBL greater than 15% at short-term follow-up. The procedure shows a high union rate, with articular graft surface resorption predominantly affecting nonloaded areas. Level IV, retrospective case series.