Distal Radius Allograft for Glenoid Reconstruction in Anterior Shoulder Instability With Significant Glenoid Bone Loss

Abstract

Critical glenoid bone loss in the setting of glenohumeral instability presents a challenging problem for shoulder surgeons. In these cases, bone augmentation procedures are necessary to reconstruct the native glenoid and to maintain stability and function. Although the Latarjet procedure has good outcomes, the coracoid is not always large enough for full reconstruction of the glenoid. Alternative structural graft techniques have been developed over the years, including distal tibia allograft and iliac crest autograft, yet both of these techniques have several limitations. Due to the supply constraints associated with current graft options, introducing other options that mitigate these limitations is beneficial. In this technique and the accompanying video, we introduce the use of a distal radius allograft for glenoid reconstruction in the setting of glenohumeral instability. The distal radius allograft has a radius of curvature more closely matching that of the native glenoid, with anatomic features that can allow for enhanced glenohumeral stability, making it a promising option for this challenging problem.