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Anterior Shoulder Instability

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Anterior Shoulder Instability

Comprehensive exam-ready guide to anterior shoulder instability - Bankart vs Latarjet decision, bone loss assessment, surgical techniques

complete
Updated: 2025-12-17
High Yield Overview

ANTERIOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY

Bankart | Hill-Sachs | Bone Loss | Bankart vs Latarjet

95%Anterior dislocations
25%Bone loss threshold
67%Recurrence under 20 years
LatarjetIf significant bone loss

BONE LOSS THRESHOLD

Less than 15%
PatternMinimal bone loss
TreatmentArthroscopic Bankart repair
15-25%
PatternModerate bone loss
TreatmentConsider Latarjet or augmented Bankart
Greater than 25%
PatternSignificant bone loss
TreatmentLatarjet or bone graft indicated

Critical Must-Knows

  • Bankart lesion (labral tear) occurs in 90%+ of traumatic anterior dislocations
  • Hill-Sachs lesion (humeral head defect) in 65-70% of first dislocations
  • Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss = Latarjet or bone graft required
  • Engaging Hill-Sachs increases recurrence - Latarjet or remplissage needed
  • Age is strongest predictor of recurrence - 67% in under 20 years old

Examiner's Pearls

  • "
    ISIS score predicts recurrence - greater than 6 suggests bony procedure
  • "
    On-track vs off-track concept for Hill-Sachs engagement
  • "
    Latarjet provides bone augmentation, sling effect, and capsular repair
  • "
    Arthroscopic Bankart has higher recurrence than open in young athletes

Clinical Imaging

Imaging Gallery

4-panel (A-D) multimodal bony Bankart imaging: (A) AP X-ray with crescentic bone fragment at inferior glenoid (arrow), (B) axial CT showing glenoid bone loss with white arrow, (C) sagittal CT demonstr
Click to expand
4-panel (A-D) multimodal bony Bankart imaging: (A) AP X-ray with crescentic bone fragment at inferior glenoid (arrow), (B) axial CT showing glenoid boCredit: Wong PK et al. - Int J Emerg Med via Open-i (NIH) - PMC4519440 (CC-BY 4.0)
Single arthroscopic image of Bankart lesion in right shoulder - shows detached anteroinferior labrum with hemorrhage, smooth humeral head above, and frayed labral tissue.
Click to expand
Single arthroscopic image of Bankart lesion in right shoulder - shows detached anteroinferior labrum with hemorrhage, smooth humeral head above, and fCredit: Cooke SJ et al. - Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol via Open-i (NIH) - PMC2654032 (CC-BY 4.0)
4-panel (a-d) glenoid bone loss case with Latarjet procedure: (a) Hill-Sachs lesion on AP X-ray, (b) axial CT with measurements showing significant glenoid bone loss (23.5mm width, 6.3mm deficit), (c)
Click to expand
4-panel (a-d) glenoid bone loss case with Latarjet procedure: (a) Hill-Sachs lesion on AP X-ray, (b) axial CT with measurements showing significant glCredit: Open-i / NIH via Open-i (NIH) (CC-BY 4.0)
Anterior shoulder dislocation X-rays before and after reduction
Click to expand
Anterior shoulder dislocation: (a) X-ray at time of injury showing the humeral head displaced anteriorly from the glenoid fossa - note the loss of normal glenohumeral alignment. (b) Post-reduction X-ray demonstrating restored anatomical position with the humeral head centered in the glenoid.Credit: Takase F et al., Case Rep Orthop (PMC4082929) - CC-BY

Critical Exam Concepts

Bone Loss is KEY

Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss requires bony augmentation (Latarjet or bone graft). Simple Bankart will fail. Measure on CT with 3D reconstruction.

On-Track vs Off-Track

Off-track Hill-Sachs engages the glenoid and causes instability. Requires Latarjet or remplissage. On-track lesions do not engage and can be treated with Bankart.

Age Predicts Recurrence

Under 20 years: 67% recurrence. 20-40 years: 30-40%. Over 40: 10-15%. Young athletes with contact sports have highest recurrence after conservative treatment.

Latarjet Triple Effect

Latarjet provides: 1) Bone augmentation for glenoid, 2) Sling effect of conjoint tendon, 3) Capsulolabral repair. Addresses multiple pathologies.

Quick Decision Guide

Clinical ScenarioBone LossRecommended ProcedureKey Consideration
First dislocation, non-athleteMinimalConservativeRehab, reassess if recurrent
Recurrent, young athleteLess than 15%Arthroscopic BankartHigher recurrence in contact sports
Recurrent, contact sport15-25%Consider LatarjetEspecially if engaging Hill-Sachs
Significant bone lossGreater than 25%LatarjetBankart will fail
Off-track Hill-SachsAnyLatarjet or remplissageAddress engaging defect
Mnemonic

BONEBankart vs Latarjet Decision

B
Bone loss greater than 25%
Latarjet required
O
Off-track Hill-Sachs
Engages = Latarjet or remplissage
N
Number of dislocations
Many = consider Latarjet
E
Extreme sports/contact
Higher demand = consider Latarjet

Memory Hook:Check the BONE factors to decide Bankart vs Latarjet!

Mnemonic

BSCLatarjet Triple Effect

B
Bone block
Augments deficient glenoid
S
Sling effect
Conjoint tendon acts as dynamic stabilizer
C
Capsular repair
Capsulolabral tissue sewn to bone block

Memory Hook:BSC - Latarjet gives Bone, Sling, and Capsular repair!

Mnemonic

ABCDEFISIS Score Components

A
Age less than 20
2 points
B
Bony lesion on radiograph
2 points
C
Contact/competitive sport
1 point
D
Decreased anterior hyperlaxity
1 point
E
Engaging Hill-Sachs
2 points
F
Frequent dislocations if greater than 5
2 points if positive

Memory Hook:ISIS score greater than 6 = consider Latarjet over arthroscopic Bankart!

Overview and Epidemiology

Age is the Strongest Predictor

Under 20 years: 67% recurrence after first dislocation. 20-40 years: 30-40%. Over 40: 10-15% (but higher rotator cuff tear risk). Young age and contact sports indicate early surgical consideration.

Epidemiology

  • Most common major joint dislocation
  • Incidence: 24/100,000/year
  • Peak age: 15-25 years (males)
  • Anterior = 95%, posterior = 2-4%
  • Contact sports overrepresented

Mechanism

  • Force to abducted, externally rotated arm
  • Direct blow to posterior shoulder
  • Fall on outstretched hand
  • Sports: tackling, overhead throwing
  • May be atraumatic in hyperlaxity

Pathophysiology and Mechanisms

Static Restraints

Glenohumeral ligaments: Primary static stabilizers.

IGHL (inferior glenohumeral ligament): Most important. Anterior band resists anterior translation in abduction/ER.

MGHL (middle): Variable anatomy. Resists anterior translation mid-range.

SGHL (superior): Resists inferior translation.

Labrum: Deepens glenoid by 50%, attachment for ligaments.

Dynamic Restraints

Rotator cuff: Compresses humeral head into glenoid (concavity-compression).

Subscapularis: Most important dynamic anterior stabilizer.

Long head of biceps: Secondary restraint.

Periscapular muscles: Maintain glenoid position.

Key Pathological Lesions

Bankart lesion: Anteroinferior labral tear with IGHL avulsion. Present in 90%+.

Bony Bankart: Glenoid rim fracture with labral avulsion.

Hill-Sachs: Posterolateral humeral head compression fracture. 65-70% in first dislocation.

HAGL: Humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligaments. Less common.

ALPSA: Anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion. Medially displaced labrum.

Bony Bankart vs Soft Tissue Bankart

Bony Bankart (glenoid fracture with labral avulsion) is associated with higher recurrence after arthroscopic repair than soft tissue Bankart. Consider Latarjet if significant bony fragment or greater than 15% glenoid bone loss.

Classification Systems

Glenoid Bone Loss Measurement

Bony Bankart lesion evaluation and surgical fixation
Click to expand
Bony Bankart lesion assessment and treatment: (a) X-ray showing osseous Bankart (glenoid rim fracture), (b) CT scan with precise bone loss measurement (A: 23.5mm width, B: 6.3mm depth) - essential for surgical planning, (c) post-operative X-ray showing two-screw fixation of the glenoid rim fragment, (d) healed glenoid at follow-up demonstrating successful bone union.Credit: Spiegl UJ et al., BMC Musculoskelet Disord (PMC3813982) - CC-BY

Best-fit circle method: 3D CT reconstruction. Fit circle to intact inferior glenoid. Measure deficiency.

Treatment thresholds:

  • Less than 15%: Arthroscopic Bankart likely sufficient
  • 15-25%: Gray zone - consider Latarjet especially with engaging Hill-Sachs
  • Greater than 25%: Latarjet or bone graft required

Hill-Sachs assessment: Width and depth. Engaging vs non-engaging.

Glenoid Track Concept

Glenoid track: Zone of contact between glenoid and humeral head in abduction/ER.

On-track Hill-Sachs: Does NOT extend beyond glenoid track. Non-engaging. Bankart may suffice.

Off-track Hill-Sachs: Extends beyond glenoid track. ENGAGES glenoid rim. Requires Latarjet or remplissage.

Calculation: Glenoid track = 0.83 x intact glenoid diameter - bone loss.

If Hill-Sachs width is greater than glenoid track = off-track.

Instability Severity Index Score

Risk FactorPointsNotes
Age less than 20 years2Young age highest recurrence
Competitive/contact sport1-2Higher demand
Shoulder hyperlaxity1Generalized ligamentous laxity
Hill-Sachs on AP radiograph2Visible = significant
Glenoid loss on AP radiograph2Visible = greater than 20%

Score greater than 6: Consider Latarjet over arthroscopic Bankart due to high recurrence risk.

Clinical Assessment

History

  • Mechanism: ABER position, direct blow
  • Reduction: Spontaneous vs required reduction
  • Number of dislocations: Recurrence pattern
  • Sport level: Contact, overhead, competitive
  • Age at first dislocation: Predicts recurrence

Examination

  • Apprehension test: Positive with ABER
  • Relocation test: Relief with posterior force
  • Anterior load and shift: Grades translation
  • Sulcus sign: Inferior laxity (positive if greater than 2cm)
  • Generalized laxity: Beighton score

Apprehension-Relocation Test

Apprehension: Patient supine, arm abducted 90°, externally rotate. Positive = apprehension (not just pain). Relocation: Apply posterior force to humeral head. Relief of apprehension = positive. Most specific clinical test for anterior instability.

Key Examination Findings

Acute dislocation: Arm held in ER and abduction. Loss of deltoid contour. Humeral head palpable anteriorly.

After reduction: Assess for neurovascular injury (especially axillary nerve), rotator cuff integrity (over 40), and range of motion.

Bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation on chest X-ray
Click to expand
Chest radiograph demonstrating bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation with associated greater tuberosity fracture on the left side. Both humeral heads are visibly displaced anteriorly from their respective glenoid fossae. Greater tuberosity fractures occur in up to 15% of anterior dislocations and typically reduce with the shoulder - if persistently displaced more than 5mm, ORIF may be indicated.Credit: Meena S et al., J Nat Sci Biol Med (PMC3783813) - CC-BY

Investigations

Standard Views

AP true (Grashey view): Glenohumeral alignment.

Axillary lateral: Glenoid and humeral head relationship. Essential.

Scapular Y: Confirms dislocation direction.

West Point view: Anteroinferior glenoid (Bankart).

Stryker notch view: Hill-Sachs lesion visualization.

CT with 3D Reconstruction

3D CT reconstruction showing bilateral Hill-Sachs lesions
Click to expand
Multimodal imaging of bilateral anterior shoulder instability: AP and axillary X-rays (left panels) demonstrate bilateral anterior dislocation. 3D CT reconstruction (right panels) clearly shows bilateral Hill-Sachs lesions - the characteristic posterolateral humeral head compression fractures that occur when the soft humeral head impacts against the hard anterior glenoid rim during dislocation.Credit: Poggetti A et al., J Orthop Case Rep (PMC4719412) - CC-BY

Gold standard for bone loss quantification.

Glenoid bone loss: Best-fit circle method on en face view.

Hill-Sachs: Width, depth, location.

Glenoid version: Ensure not retroverted.

3D reconstruction: Essential for surgical planning.

MRI Assessment

Bankart lesion: Anteroinferior labral tear, IGHL avulsion.

ALPSA: Periosteal sleeve avulsion, medialized labrum.

HAGL: Humeral side avulsion.

GLAD: Glenoid labrum articular disruption.

Rotator cuff: Especially in patients over 40 years old.

MRA (arthrogram): Superior for labral pathology.

Radiographic Signs of Instability

Hill-Sachs visible on AP: Indicates significant lesion (engaged in ER). Glenoid loss visible on AP: Suggests greater than 20% bone loss. These simple radiograph findings prompt CT quantification.

Management Algorithm

📊 Management Algorithm
Anterior Shoulder Instability Management Algorithm
Click to expand
Management algorithm for anterior shoulder instability based on glenoid bone loss and risk factors (ISIS score).

First-Time Anterior Dislocation

Management Pathway

AcuteReduction and Assessment

Closed reduction under sedation. Post-reduction radiographs. Assess neurovascular status (axillary nerve). Sling immobilization.

ImagingMRI and/or CT

MRI: Assess labrum, rotator cuff. CT with 3D: Quantify bone loss. Essential for surgical planning.

ConservativeNon-Operative Option

Sling 3-6 weeks. Progressive ROM. Rotator cuff and periscapular strengthening. May be appropriate if: over 40 years old, low demand, no bone loss, non-contact sport.

SurgicalEarly Surgical Consideration

Consider if: under 20 years old, contact sports, significant bone loss, in-season athlete. Reduces recurrence from 67% to less than 10%.

Recurrent Anterior Instability

Surgical Decision-Making

1Quantify Bone Loss

CT with 3D reconstruction. Measure glenoid bone loss (best-fit circle). Assess Hill-Sachs (on-track vs off-track).

2Less than 15% Glenoid Loss, On-Track HS

Arthroscopic Bankart repair. May add remplissage if borderline Hill-Sachs.

315-25% Loss or Off-Track HS

Consider Latarjet. Especially if: contact sport, engaging Hill-Sachs, ISIS greater than 6, failed previous Bankart.

4Greater than 25% Glenoid Loss

Latarjet required. Alternative: iliac crest bone graft (Bristow-Eden-Hybinette technique).

Procedure Selection

Arthroscopic Bankart:

  • Less than 15% glenoid bone loss
  • On-track Hill-Sachs
  • First stabilization attempt
  • Non-contact sport

Latarjet:

  • Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss (mandatory)
  • 15-25% with engaging Hill-Sachs
  • Contact sports with ISIS greater than 6
  • Failed previous Bankart
  • Bony Bankart with significant fragment

Latarjet + remplissage: Rarely needed. Off-track Hill-Sachs with glenoid loss.

Surgical Technique

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Surgical Steps

Step 1Positioning and Portals

Beach chair or lateral decubitus. Standard posterior viewing portal. Anterior portals for anchor placement.

Step 2Glenoid Preparation

Elevate labrum from glenoid neck. Decorticate glenoid rim to bleeding bone. Ensure adequate mobilization for tension-free repair.

Step 3Anchor Placement

3-4 anchors along anteroinferior glenoid rim (5 to 3 o-clock for right shoulder). Suture anchors or knotless.

Step 4Labral Repair

Mattress or simple sutures through labrum. Restore labral bumper. Capsular plication if redundant.

Anchor Placement

Anchors must be placed ON the glenoid rim (not neck) at the articular margin. At least 3 anchors. The 5:30 position (6:30 left shoulder) is critical to address the IGHL attachment. Avoid suprascapular nerve with superior anchors.

Latarjet (Coracoid Transfer)

Surgical Steps

Step 1Coracoid Osteotomy

Deltopectoral approach. Release pectoralis minor. Osteotomize coracoid at bend with attached conjoint tendon.

Step 2Graft Preparation

Decorticate flat surface of coracoid. Drill two holes for screws. Match to glenoid defect.

Step 3Glenoid Preparation

Subscapularis split (horizontal) or tenotomy. Expose anterior glenoid. Decorticate deficient rim.

Step 4Graft Fixation

Position coracoid to extend glenoid arc. Two screws (typically 3.5mm). Flush with glenoid articular surface. Sew capsule to graft.

Coracoid Positioning

Coracoid must be flush with glenoid articular surface. Lateral overhang causes humeral head wear and arthritis. Medial placement provides inadequate augmentation. 3D planning and intraoperative fluoroscopy essential.

Remplissage Procedure

Indication: Off-track or engaging Hill-Sachs with limited glenoid bone loss.

Technique: Arthroscopic. Place anchors in Hill-Sachs defect. Suture infraspinatus tendon and posterior capsule into defect. Converts extra-articular lesion.

Outcome: Reduces recurrence. May limit external rotation (usually 5-10°).

Combined with: Arthroscopic Bankart when Hill-Sachs is engaging but glenoid loss is less than 15%.

Complications

ComplicationProcedureIncidencePrevention/Management
Recurrent instabilityBankart10-20%Proper patient selection, technique
Recurrent instabilityLatarjet0-5%Rare if technique correct
Hardware complicationsLatarjet5-7%Proper screw placement, length
Graft non-union/lysisLatarjet5%Avoid over-medialization, good contact
Subscapularis weaknessLatarjetVariableSplit (not tenotomy) preferred
StiffnessBothVariableEarly ROM, appropriate capsular tension
Nerve injuryLatarjetRareProtect musculocutaneous and axillary

Latarjet Failure Causes

Most common causes of Latarjet failure: Graft malposition (too lateral or medial), graft non-union, screw pullout, missed HAGL lesion. Meticulous technique and preoperative planning essential.

Postoperative Care

Rehabilitation Protocol

Week 0-4Protection Phase

Sling immobilization. Elbow and hand exercises. Pendulum exercises only. No external rotation past neutral.

Week 4-8Early Motion

Wean sling. Gentle AROM. Limit external rotation (based on surgeon preference). Scapular stabilization exercises.

Week 8-12Progressive ROM

Full ROM by 12 weeks. Rotator cuff strengthening. Avoid apprehension positions.

Month 3-6Strengthening

Progressive resistance. Sport-specific training started. Avoid contact sports until 6 months (Latarjet may allow earlier).

Return to Sport

Bankart: Return to contact sports 6-9 months. Latarjet: Some allow earlier return (4-6 months) due to bony stability. Confirm graft healing on CT before high-risk activities.

Outcomes and Prognosis

Procedure-Specific Outcomes

Arthroscopic Bankart: 80-90% success in appropriate patients. Higher recurrence in young contact athletes, bone loss, and engaging Hill-Sachs.

Latarjet: 95-98% stability. Low recurrence even in high-risk groups. Some risk of OA long-term.

Prognostic Factors

Good prognosis: Older age, non-contact sport, minimal bone loss, first stabilization, compliant rehabilitation.

Poor prognosis: Age under 20, contact sports, significant bone loss, engaging Hill-Sachs, hyperlaxity, failed previous surgery.

Evidence Base and Key Studies

Age and Recurrence Risk

2
Hovelius L et al. • J Shoulder Elbow Surg (2008)
Key Findings:
  • 255 primary dislocations followed 25 years
  • Age less than 22: 72% recurrence
  • Age 23-29: 56% recurrence
  • Age greater than 30: 27% recurrence
Clinical Implication: Young age is the strongest predictor of recurrence - consider early stabilization.
Limitation: Long follow-up but some loss to follow-up.

Bone Loss Threshold

3
Yamamoto N et al. • J Shoulder Elbow Surg (2010)
Key Findings:
  • Cadaveric study of glenoid bone loss
  • 20% bone loss causes significant instability
  • 25% bone loss leads to failure of Bankart repair
  • Bony procedure recommended greater than 20-25%
Clinical Implication: Greater than 25% glenoid bone loss requires bony augmentation.
Limitation: Cadaveric model, clinical variability.

Glenoid Track Concept

3
Yamamoto N et al. • Am J Sports Med (2007)
Key Findings:
  • Defined glenoid track for Hill-Sachs assessment
  • Off-track lesions engage and cause instability
  • On-track lesions do not engage
  • Guides need for Hill-Sachs treatment
Clinical Implication: On-track vs off-track determines if Hill-Sachs needs addressing.
Limitation: Original biomechanical study, clinical validation ongoing.

Latarjet vs Bankart in Contact Athletes

2
Blonna D et al. • Am J Sports Med (2016)
Key Findings:
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis
  • Latarjet: 3.4% recurrence in contact athletes
  • Bankart: 13.4% recurrence in contact athletes
  • Latarjet superior in high-risk athletes
Clinical Implication: Latarjet has lower recurrence in contact athletes than Bankart.
Limitation: Meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.

ISIS Score Validation

3
Balg F et al. • Arthroscopy (2007)
Key Findings:
  • Instability Severity Index Score developed
  • 10-point scale predicting recurrence
  • ISIS greater than 6: 70% recurrence after Bankart
  • Guides selection for Latarjet
Clinical Implication: ISIS score greater than 6 suggests Latarjet over arthroscopic Bankart.
Limitation: Single center derivation, external validation variable.

Exam Viva Scenarios

Practice these scenarios to excel in your viva examination

VIVA SCENARIOStandard

Scenario 1: Young Athlete First Dislocation

EXAMINER

"An 18-year-old rugby player presents after his first anterior shoulder dislocation during a tackle. He required reduction in the emergency department. Radiographs show no fracture. How would you manage this?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation in a young contact athlete - a high-risk scenario for recurrence. My initial management would include confirming the shoulder is reduced on post-reduction radiographs and assessing neurovascular status, specifically axillary nerve function (sensation over lateral deltoid). I would immobilize him in a sling for comfort. I would counsel him that at age 18, he has approximately 67% recurrence risk with conservative treatment, which increases further as a contact sport athlete. I would obtain an MRI to assess the labrum (expecting Bankart lesion in 90%+) and rotator cuff. I would also obtain a CT with 3D reconstruction to quantify any glenoid bone loss and assess the Hill-Sachs lesion. If there is minimal bone loss (less than 15%) and on-track Hill-Sachs, I would discuss early arthroscopic Bankart repair, which reduces recurrence to under 10%. If there is significant bone loss (greater than 25%) or off-track Hill-Sachs, I would recommend Latarjet procedure. For a first-line rugby player, I would have a low threshold for surgical stabilization given the high recurrence risk with conservative treatment.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
67% recurrence risk at age 18 with conservative treatment
MRI for labrum, CT for bone loss quantification
Assess Hill-Sachs (on-track vs off-track)
Low threshold for surgery in young contact athletes
Bone loss greater than 25% = Latarjet required
COMMON TRAPS
✗Recommending conservative treatment without discussing recurrence risk
✗Not obtaining CT for bone loss quantification
✗Missing associated pathology (greater tuberosity fracture, rotator cuff)
✗Not assessing axillary nerve function
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What if CT shows 30% glenoid bone loss?"
"What is the ISIS score and how would it influence your decision?"
"What are the advantages of Latarjet over arthroscopic Bankart?"
VIVA SCENARIOChallenging

Scenario 2: Recurrent Instability with Bone Loss

EXAMINER

"A 24-year-old AFL player has had 5 anterior dislocations over 3 years. CT shows 22% glenoid bone loss and an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. What would you recommend?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is recurrent anterior shoulder instability with moderate glenoid bone loss (22%) and an engaging (off-track) Hill-Sachs lesion. Given these factors, an arthroscopic Bankart repair would have an unacceptably high failure rate. I would recommend a Latarjet procedure. The bone loss is approaching the 25% threshold, and the engaging Hill-Sachs means that even with perfect soft tissue repair, the humeral head defect will catch on the reconstructed glenoid rim causing recurrent instability. The Latarjet provides a triple effect: bone block to augment the deficient glenoid, sling effect of the conjoint tendon, and capsular repair. This patient also has multiple risk factors - young age, contact sport, multiple dislocations, and bone loss - giving a high ISIS score. My surgical approach would be the classic open Latarjet via deltopectoral approach. I would osteotomize the coracoid, prepare the anterior glenoid through a subscapularis split, and fix the coracoid with two screws flush with the glenoid articular surface. Postoperatively, he would be in a sling for 4-6 weeks with progressive ROM and strengthening. Return to AFL would be at 4-6 months after confirming graft healing on CT.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
22% bone loss + engaging Hill-Sachs = Latarjet
Arthroscopic Bankart would fail
Latarjet triple effect: bone, sling, capsule
High ISIS score supports Latarjet
Return to contact sport 4-6 months
COMMON TRAPS
✗Recommending Bankart for engaging Hill-Sachs
✗Not recognizing 22% bone loss as significant
✗Ignoring the engaging nature of Hill-Sachs
✗Not using CT for preoperative planning
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What are the complications of Latarjet?"
"How do you position the coracoid?"
"Could remplissage be used instead of Latarjet?"
VIVA SCENARIOCritical

Scenario 3: Failed Bankart Repair

EXAMINER

"A 22-year-old had arthroscopic Bankart repair 2 years ago but has had 3 further dislocations. CT shows the anchors are in place but there is now 18% glenoid bone loss. What is your approach?"

EXCEPTIONAL ANSWER
This is failed arthroscopic Bankart repair with ongoing instability and progressive bone loss. The fact that he has continued to dislocate despite repair suggests either initial technical issues or progressive bone loss with each dislocation. The current 18% bone loss, combined with failed soft tissue repair and young age with likely return to sport aspirations, indicates that repeat arthroscopic Bankart would have a very high failure rate. I would recommend revision to a Latarjet procedure. Before surgery, I would obtain a new CT to precisely measure bone loss and assess the existing anchors. I would also get an MRI to evaluate the labrum and any associated pathology. At surgery, I would perform an open Latarjet. The approach would be through the old deltopectoral incision. I would remove any loose or prominent anchor material. The coracoid transfer would augment the bone-deficient glenoid. The conjoint tendon sling provides dynamic stability. I would counsel him that revision surgery has slightly higher complication rates than primary Latarjet, but success rates remain high (greater than 90% stability). Return to sport would be 4-6 months after confirming graft union.
KEY POINTS TO SCORE
Failed Bankart with bone loss = Latarjet
Repeat Bankart has very high failure rate
Progressive bone loss after failed repair is common
Remove prominent anchors at revision
Latarjet addresses bone deficiency
COMMON TRAPS
✗Recommending repeat arthroscopic Bankart
✗Not recognizing progressive bone erosion
✗Not obtaining new imaging before revision
✗Ignoring anchors in planning revision
LIKELY FOLLOW-UPS
"What are causes of failed Bankart repair?"
"What if 18% bone loss was present at initial surgery?"
"What is the role of free bone graft vs Latarjet?"

MCQ Practice Points

Bone Loss Threshold

Q: Above what percentage of glenoid bone loss is Latarjet/bony procedure required? A: Greater than 25%. At this level, Bankart repair will fail. 15-25% is the gray zone where engaging Hill-Sachs tips toward Latarjet.

Age and Recurrence

Q: What is the recurrence rate after first dislocation in patients under 20? A: 67%. Young age is the strongest predictor of recurrence. This justifies early surgical consideration in young athletes.

Latarjet Triple Effect

Q: What are the three stabilizing effects of the Latarjet procedure? A: 1) Bone block augmenting glenoid, 2) Sling effect of conjoint tendon, 3) Capsular repair to the bone block.

IGHL Function

Q: Which ligament is the primary static restraint to anterior translation? A: Inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) - specifically the anterior band when the arm is abducted and externally rotated.

Bankart Lesion

Q: What percentage of traumatic anterior dislocations have a Bankart lesion? A: Greater than 90%. The anteroinferior labrum avulses with the IGHL attachment in almost all traumatic dislocations.

On-Track vs Off-Track

Q: What does an off-track Hill-Sachs lesion indicate? A: The Hill-Sachs engages the glenoid rim during movement, causing instability. Requires Latarjet or remplissage rather than simple Bankart.

Australian Context

Clinical Practice

  • Arthroscopic Bankart widely performed
  • Open Latarjet at specialist centres
  • Arthroscopic Latarjet gaining popularity
  • CT 3D reconstruction routine for bone loss
  • High proportion of contact sport athletes

Funding and Access

  • CT and MRI readily accessible
  • Public system wait times variable
  • Private insurance covers most procedures
  • Return to sport emphasis in athletes
  • Arthroscopic Latarjet growing in availability

Orthopaedic Exam Relevance

Anterior shoulder instability is a common viva topic. Be prepared to: quantify bone loss, explain on-track vs off-track concept, articulate Bankart vs Latarjet decision algorithm, describe surgical techniques, and know the ISIS score.

ANTERIOR SHOULDER INSTABILITY

High-Yield Exam Summary

Pathoanatomy

  • •Bankart lesion in greater than 90% of dislocations
  • •Hill-Sachs in 65-70% of first dislocations
  • •IGHL is primary static restraint
  • •Subscapularis is key dynamic stabilizer
  • •Bony Bankart reduces glenoid surface area

Bone Loss Thresholds

  • •Less than 15%: Arthroscopic Bankart likely sufficient
  • •15-25%: Gray zone - consider Latarjet if engaging HS
  • •Greater than 25%: Latarjet or bone graft required
  • •Off-track HS: Latarjet or remplissage
  • •Critical bone loss dramatically increases recurrence

Age and Recurrence

  • •Under 20 years: 67% recurrence
  • •20-40 years: 30-40% recurrence
  • •Over 40 years: 10-15% (but cuff tears)
  • •Young age = strongest predictor
  • •Male gender increases risk further

Latarjet Triple Effect (BSC)

  • •Bone block: Augments glenoid
  • •Sling effect: Conjoint tendon dynamics
  • •Capsular repair: Capsule sutured to block
  • •Benefits: Addresses bone loss and prevents engagement
  • •Ideal for high-risk contact athletes

ISIS Score greater than 6 = Consider Latarjet

  • •Age less than 20: 2 points
  • •Bony lesion on XR: 2 points
  • •Contact sport: 1-2 points
  • •Engaging Hill-Sachs: 2 points
  • •Shoulder hyperlaxity: 1 point

Outcomes

  • •Bankart: 10-20% recurrence overall
  • •Latarjet: 0-5% recurrence
  • •Latarjet superior in high-risk groups
  • •Both have high patient satisfaction
  • •Open Latarjet has higher complication rate than Bankart
Quick Stats
Reading Time83 min
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FRACS Guidelines

Australia & New Zealand
  • AOANJRR Shoulder Registry
  • MBS Shoulder Items
Related Topics

AC Joint Injuries in Athletes

Achilles Tendinopathy

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Articular Cartilage Injuries