Arthroscopy Techniques (Nov 2013)

Arthroscopic Posterior Bone Block Procedure: A New Technique Using Suture Anchor Fixation

  • Pascal Boileau, M.D.,
  • Marie-Béatrice Hardy, M.D.,
  • Walter B. McClelland, Jr., M.D.,
  • Charles-Edouard Thélu, M.D.,
  • Daniel G. Schwartz, M.D.

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 4
pp. e473 – e477

Abstract

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We present a novel all-arthroscopic technique of posterior shoulder stabilization that uses suture anchors for both bone block fixation and capsulolabral repair. The bone graft, introduced inside the glenohumeral joint through a cannula, is fixed with 2 suture anchors. The associated posteroinferior capsulolabral repair places the bone block in an extra-articular position. In this article we present the detailed arthroscopic technique performed in a consecutive series of 15 patients and report the early results. We also report the positioning, healing, and remodeling of the bone block using postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography. The benefits of this new technique are as follows: (1) it is all arthroscopic, preserving the posterior deltoid and posterior rotator cuff muscles; (2) it is accurate, resulting in appropriate bone block positioning; (3) it is efficient, allowing for consistent bone graft healing; (4) it is anatomic, both restoring the glenoid bone stock and repairing the injured posterior labrum; and (5) it is safe, limiting hardware-related complications and eliminating the risk of injury to vital structures associated with drilling or screw insertion from posterior to anterior. We believe that this technique is advantageous because it does not use screws for fixation and may be safer for the patient.