Arthroscopic Posterior Glenoid Reconstruction Using a Fresh Distal Tibia Allograft for Recurrent Posterior Instability

Abstract

Posterior glenohumeral instability is a relatively uncommon cause of shoulder instability. Recurrent posterior instability with static posterior humeral head subluxation is often associated with critical glenoid bone loss. Unlike anterior instability, the amount of bone loss for posterior instability that requires surgical reconstruction remains a topic of debate. Several techniques have been described to treat critical bony defects in patients with recurrent posterior shoulder instability with the use of both autografts and allografts depending on the amount of bone loss present. Open posterior glenoid bone block procedure is associated with increased risk of complications and morbidity to the patient. As such, all-arthroscopic techniques have emerged with the advantage of allowing for the diagnosis and treatment of concomitant glenohumeral pathology and minimizing soft-tissue dissection through the posterior deltoid and rotator cuff muscles. Reported short-term outcomes of arthroscopic posterior bone block stabilization are promising; however, it remains a technically challenging procedure due to intra-articular graft insertion and subsequent fixation congruent to the posterior glenoid articular margin. We describe an all-arthroscopic technique using a fresh distal tibia allograft fixation using 2 partially threaded screws in conjunction with an arthroscopic Latarjet fixation set for a patient with recurrent posterior shoulder instability and associated glenoid bone loss.