Radiological outcomes of iliac crest bone graft augmentation for glenoid bone loss using an open all-suture anchor and washer fixation technique

BACKGROUND: Many of the complications related to bone block augmentation for recurrent shoulder instability are related to metal screw fixation. Alternative fixation techniques using suspensory fixation have been described with good results, although they require an additional posterior incision to manage the button. It was postulated that the use of an all-suture anchor would remove the requirement for a posterior incision, whilst providing equivalent union rates. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the radiological outcome of a technique using all-suture anchor fixation of iliac crest autograft. METHODS: Eleven patients (mean age 28 years, 10 males, 1 female) underwent open anterior shoulder stabilization using an autologous iliac crest bone graft that was fixed with all-suture anchors and supplemented by 2-hole tibial plate. Union of the graft was evaluated 6 months postoperatively using computed tomography. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications and none of the participants needed further surgery. All patients reported a stable shoulder at 6 months follow-up. The grafts united in 10 out of the 11 patients. CONCLUSION: An all-suture anchor construct is a viable alternative to metal screw fixation for iliac crest bone grafting in shoulder instability with critical bone loss, and unlike suspensory techniques does not require a second posterior incision.