Onlay Dynamic Anterior Stabilization With Biceps Transfer for the Treatment of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability Produces Good Clinical Outcomes and Successful Healing at a Minimum 1 Year of Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To report the results of the onlay dynamic anterior stabilization (DAS) using the long head of biceps (LHB) and the double double-pulley technique for the treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability (AGI) with ≤20% glenoid bone loss (GBL).

METHODS: From September 2018 to December 2021, patients with AGI and ≤20% GBL were enrolled in a prospective study on DAS and followed for a minimum of 1 year. The primary outcomes were Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Rowe score, range of motion, and strength. The secondary outcomes were ability to return to play (RTP), RTP at same level, lack of recurrence of instability, successful LHB healing, and lack of complications. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure GBL, Hill-Sachs interval, glenoid track, and assess LHB integrity.

RESULTS: Eighteen consecutive patients underwent DAS. Fifteen patients had a minimum follow-up of 12 months (mean, 23.93 ± 13.67 months). In total, 12 were male and 3 female patients; 73.3% practiced recreational sports; mean age at surgery was 23.40 ± 6.53 years; mean number of dislocation episodes were 10.13 ± 8.42; mean GBL was 8.21 ± 7.39% (range, 0-20.24%); mean Hill-Sachs interval was 15.00 ± 2.96 mm; and mean glenoid track was 18.87 ± 2.57mm. The mean improvement in the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Rowe score (959.27 ± 386.70 and 74.00 ± 22.22 points) was significant ( P < .001 and P < .001) and more than 6 times greater than the minimum clinically important difference. The mean improvement in active elevation, abduction, and external and internal rotation (23.00 ± 27.76°, 33.33 ± 43.78°, 8.33 ± 13.58°, and 0.73 ± 1.28 points) was significant ( P  = .006, P  = .011, P  = .032, and P  = .044). RTP rate was 93.33%. RTP at same level was 60.00%. One patient with hyperlaxity had a redislocation (6.7% recurrence). No complications were reported. Each magnetic resonance imaging scan showed successful LHB healing to the anterior glenoid.

CONCLUSIONS: At a minimum of 1-year follow-up, DAS produces significant and clinically important improvements in shoulder function, successful LHB healing, and is safe for the treatment of AGI with ≤20% GBL without severe hyperlaxity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, therapeutic case series.