Editorial Commentary: There Is Mounting Evidence for Use of Distal Tibial Allograft in Shoulder Instability in Cases With Significant Glenoid Bone Loss.

Abstract

The patient with anterior instability of the shoulder and substantial glenoid bone loss presents a challenging situation to the surgeon. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in young patients, when it is even more crucial that the surgeon choose the procedure with the greatest chance of success. The ideal surgical treatment for any orthopaedic condition is safe, pragmatic, inexpensive, and proven to be effective in both clinical and biomechanical studies. Distal tibia allograft (DTA) was first introduced approximately 10 years ago as a surgical technique to address shoulder instability in the setting of glenoid bone loss. Although Latarjet remains a reliable option, mounting evidence has demonstrated that DTA delivers comparable or improved rates of stability and patient-reported outcomes. Although the cost of DTA remains a consideration, its lower risk of complications and proven success has established this as a technique that rivals the traditional gold standard.