Effect of the location of the split of the subscapularis on range of motion and stability of the glenohumeral joint following Latarjet or Trillat procedures

AIM: Compare the effect of Latarjet and Trillat procedures on glenohumeral stability and range of motion. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the impact of the location of the sling effect on joint stability and range of motion. METHODS: 12 cadaveric shoulders were cleaned of soft tissue except for the subscapularis, conjoined tendon, and anterior capsule. A custom-made apparatus generating anterior humeral translation and joint compression was used. The machine applied compression load in the medial direction. The subscapularis and conjoint tendon were loaded. Internal/external range of motion and joint stability were assessed at 0°, 30° and 60° glenohumeral abduction. Range of motion was assessed by rotating the humeral shaft. Joint stability was assessed at maximum external rotation, translating the humerus. Specimen were tested in five conditions: 1) intact shoulder, 2) 6-mm bony glenoid defect (20% defect) 3) Trillat procedure, 4) Latarjet procedure with subscapularis split at the junction between its superior 2/3rds and inferior 1/3 rd, 5) Latarjet procedure with subscapularis split at the superior 1/3rds and inferior 2/3rds. Means were compared with a full factorial-repeated measures ANOVA with pairwise post hoc comparisons. RESULTS: Peak translation force and stability ratio were significantly lower with the glenoid defect when compared to the intact and all the repaired conditions at all levels of glenohumeral abduction. The level of the subscapularis split had no significant influence on these values and no significant difference could be found between Trillat and Latarjet procedures. Range of motion in internal and external rotation were not significantly different between the different conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Joint stability and range of motion after a Latarjet are not impacted by the location of the subscapularis muscle split. Trillat and Latarjet techniques provide comparable stabilization of the joint, even in the presence of a critical bony defect of the glenoid.