Revision guided suture-button bone block stabilization of the shoulder in the presence of significant retained glenoid metalwork

Aim: Positioning and fixation of the bone block during revision anterior stabilization of the shoulder, in the presence of significant retained glenoid metalwork, can be challenging. We present the results of a series of patients who underwent a revision bone block procedure secured with double suture buttons using a drill guide system, the position of which was calculated from a preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan.

Materials and methods: We undertook a revision bone block stabilization of the shoulder, using a guided double suture-button fixation, in 10 patients with significant retained glenoid metalwork from previous procedures. A preoperative CT scan was used to determine a position for the guide to allow a safe drill trajectory that would avoid any retained metalwork. A coracoid transfer was undertaken in 4 patients and an Eden-Hybinette in 6. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at final follow-up clinically and using the Oxford Shoulder Instability Score and the Subjective Shoulder Value score. Bone block position and healing was assessed by a CT scan at 6 months. The median follow-up was 36 months (range, 24-47 months).

Results: There were 3 female and 7 male patients with a median age of 24.5 years (17-49 years). At final follow-up, the mean Oxford Shoulder Instability Score had decreased from 25.9 (range, 21-35) to 5.8 (range, 3-14) (P < .005). The mean Subjective Shoulder Value score had risen from 87.1 (range, 10-60) to 80 (range, 60-90) (P < .05). All of the patients considered their shoulder to be stable apart from 1 patient. There had been no redislocations. The bone block positioned in the glenoid lower quadrant had healed for all of the patients on CT at 6 months.

Conclusion: Guided suture-button fixation of the bone block during revision anterior stabilization of the shoulder, in the presence of significant retained glenoid metalwork, provides a satisfactory outcome in terms of shoulder stability, graft position, and healing.