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Procedimiento de Latarjet

Latarjet procedure — bone block transfer for recurrent shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss.

Updated Sep 2026
Una ilustración dibujada a mano de un jugador de rugby que protege su hombro durante una entrada.
Radiografía posterior a un procedimiento de Latarjet: dos tornillos fijan el fragmento óseo coracoideo transferido a la parte frontal de la cavidad glenoidea, restaurando la masa ósea y evitando que la cabeza humeral se disloque. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

Esta página se tradujo automáticamente y todavía no la ha revisado un médico. La versión en inglés es la versión oficial.

¿Por qué se ha recomendado esta operación?

El Dr. Kieran Hirpara, cirujano de extremidad superior en el Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, comienza por proponer las opciones menos invasivas que se adapten a su condición. Por lo general, los pacientes son derivados a nuestra clínica por su médico de cabecera; si un fisioterapeuta le ha sugerido que nos consulte, igualmente necesitará una derivación de su médico de cabecera para poder acceder al reembolso de Medicare. En su primera visita, tomamos su historia clínica, examinamos su hombro y solicitamos estudios de imagen si es necesario. En casos de hombro que se disloca o sale de su posición con frecuencia, normalmente probamos primero tratamientos no quirúrgicos, como fisioterapia y modificaciones en sus actividades cotidianas. La cirugía se considera únicamente cuando estas opciones no logran la mejora deseada.

La operación que se le ha recomendado se denomina procedimiento de Latarjet. Consiste en trasladar un pequeño fragmento óseo desde otra zona de su omóplato hasta la parte frontal de la cavidad glenoidea, donde contribuye a mantener la articulación en su sitio. Lo indicamos cuando su hombro se ha dislocado en múltiples ocasiones o cuando existe daño óseo alrededor de dicha cavidad. El objetivo principal es lograr una estabilidad duradera, de modo que su hombro permanezca en su posición y usted pueda utilizar el brazo con total confianza. Gracias a una selección cuidadosa de los pacientes aptos para la intervención, esta cirugía previene la dislocación recurrente en aproximadamente el 99 % de los casos.

Antes de la operación

En las semanas previas a la cirugía, organizamos los estudios de imagen necesarios para planificar su operación. Estos suelen incluir radiografías y, en ocasiones, una resonancia magnética (un estudio que muestra los tejidos blandos) o una ecografía. El día de la intervención, deberá abstenerse de comer y beber durante siete horas antes. Pedimos que sea durante siete horas para poder adelantar su turno si la lista de quirófanos se adelanta; su cirujano le confirmará la hora exacta. Es posible que se le pida suspender algunos de sus medicamentos habituales; le daremos instrucciones claras al respecto. Traiga una lista de todos los fármacos que toma. Organice que alguien lo lleve a casa después de la operación, y use ropa holgada y cómoda. Si padece otras enfermedades, es posible que necesite análisis de sangre o una consulta con el anestesista (el especialista encargado de garantizar su seguridad y de controlar el dolor durante la intervención).

El día de la intervención

Llega usted a la unidad de admisiones quirúrgicas del hospital, donde le registraremos y le prepararemos para la cirugía. Esta operación se realiza bajo anestesia general combinada con un bloqueo nervioso regional. El anestesista se reunirá con usted antes de la intervención para explicarle ambos procedimientos. A continuación, será llevado al quirófano, donde se realizará la operación.

Una vez finalizada la operación, despertará usted en la sala de recuperación. Las enfermeras permanecerán a su lado y le vigilarán mientras la anestesia va desapareciendo. Cuando su estado sea estable, será trasladado a la planta de hospitalización o se le dará el alta para volver a casa, según el tipo de intervención y su recuperación. Muchas personas reciben el alta el mismo día. Si se va a casa, alguien deberá llevarle, ya que no podrá conducir por sí mismo.

Descripción del procedimiento quirúrgico

Su cirujano realiza esta operación mediante cirugía mínimamente invasiva, también conocida como cirugía artroscópica. Se introduce una pequeña cámara dentro de su articulación del hombro a través de incisiones diminutas alrededor del hombro, incluida una en la parte posterior. La cámara transmite una imagen del interior de la articulación a una pantalla, permitiendo que el cirujano observe y trabaje dentro del hombro sin necesidad de realizar una incisión mayor.

Durante la operación, se traslada un pequeño fragmento óseo del omóplato, llamado coracoide, hacia la parte frontal de la cavidad glenoidea. Este fragmento óseo se fija en su nueva posición mediante tornillos. Funciona como un soporte que evita que el hombro se disloque hacia adelante. Dado que el hueso trasladado lleva consigo un fragmento de tendón adherido, también actúa como refuerzo en la zona anterior de la articulación.

Al finalizar la operación, el cirujano cierra las pequeñas incisiones con puntos de sutura y las cubre con un vendaje. Despertará en la sala de recuperación con el brazo sostenido mediante un cabestrillo.

Después de la operación

Al despertar, será trasladado a la sala de recuperación. Las enfermeras lo revisarán periódicamente y le administrarán analgésicos según sea necesario. Para su comodidad, el brazo se mantendrá en un cabestrillo sencillo, el cual se quita para realizar ejercicios y para lavarse. La mayoría de los pacientes permanecen una noche en el hospital tras esta operación; sin embargo, algunos pueden volver a casa el mismo día. Dado que aún sentirá los efectos de la anestesia, alguien debe acompañarlo durante las primeras 24 horas. Dejamos el vendaje puesto durante unos 10 días; por favor, no lo retire antes de ese plazo a menos que se lo indiquemos. Lo cambiamos o lo retiramos cuando vengamos a verlo. El día de la cirugía podrá caminar, aunque al principio necesitará ayuda.

Recuperación

Durante los primeros días, el hombro le dolerá y presentará hinchazón. Estos síntomas disminuirán gradualmente en las semanas siguientes. El uso regular de analgésicos, el descanso y las compresas de hielo ayudan a aliviar la molestia. Las pequeñas incisiones alrededor del hombro sanan bajo el vendaje que dejamos en su lugar durante unos 10 días.

Al regresar a casa, llevará el brazo en un cabestrillo sencillo para mayor comodidad. Este se retira durante los ejercicios y para lavarse. Su fisioterapeuta le guiará en movimientos suaves al principio, y luego en ejercicios más activos a medida que su hombro se vaya recuperando. Podrá caminar desde el mismo día de la cirugía, aunque al principio necesitará ayuda. Dormir puede resultar incómodo con un hombro adolorido; muchas personas encuentran más cómodo descansar apoyado en almohadas durante las primeras semanas. En casa, necesitará ayuda para realizar tareas que requieran el uso de ambas manos, como vestirse y cocinar, hasta que su brazo esté listo.

La recuperación se produce por etapas, no de forma inmediata. Una vez que disminuya la hinchazón, los movimientos cotidianos resultarán más fáciles. A medida que recupere la amplitud de movimiento, su fisioterapeuta añadirá ejercicios de fortalecimiento suaves. Cuando su cirujano le autorice conducir, generalmente en la revisión a las seis semanas, podrá consultar más detalles en nuestra guía sobre Conducción tras una cirugía de miembro superior. El regreso al trabajo y a las actividades deportivas se hace gradualmente, según cómo se sienta su hombro y según las indicaciones de su cirujano y fisioterapeuta.

La recuperación varía de una persona a otra. Su cronograma personal podría diferir; su cirujano y fisioterapeuta le guiarán durante todo el proceso.

Qué puede salir mal

La mayoría de los pacientes evolucionan bien, pero en ocasiones pueden surgir problemas. Su cirujano y el equipo lo vigilarán de cerca para detectar cualquier incidencia a tiempo.

En algunos casos, el hombro puede volver a “deslizarse” o sentirse inestable tras la cirugía. Es posible que note nuevamente esa sensación de que la articulación se mueve de forma anormal que lo llevó a consultar. Comuníqueselo a su cirujano en la próxima revisión, o llame a la clínica antes si siente que se ha producido una luxación completa.

El injerto óseo y los tornillos que lo fijan pueden, en ocasiones, generar problemas. Puede percibir un “clic”, una sensación de bloqueo o un roce profundo en el hombro, o bien un dolor que no mejora como se esperaba. Mencione esto en su revisión para que se pueda estudiar mediante estudios de imagen.

Durante la cirugía, los nervios cercanos al hombro pueden irritarse. Esto se manifiesta como entumecimiento, hormigueo, debilidad o sensación de ardor en el hombro, el brazo o la mano. La mayoría de estos síntomas desaparecen con el tiempo. Si nota nuevo entumecimiento o debilidad, informe a la clínica para que se le siga vigilando.

Las infecciones son poco frecuentes, pero requieren atención inmediata. Esté atento a un dolor profundo y pulsátil que no ceda con analgésicos comunes, enrojecimiento que se extiende desde las heridas, hinchazón progresiva o fiebre. Algunas infecciones permanecen en la superficie cutánea y se resuelven con antibióticos por vía oral; otras son más profundas y exigen volver al quirófano para lavar la zona, además de antibióticos intravenosos. Si observa cualquiera de estos signos, llame de inmediato a la clínica o acuda a urgencias.

En ocasiones, el dolor y la rigidez persisten sin mejoría. Si con el paso de las semanas su hombro no muestra avances, coméntelo en la revisión para ajustar su plan de recuperación.

Años después de la operación, puede desarrollarse o empeorar la artritis en el hombro; sin embargo, suele ser leve cuando aparece. Es posible notar molestias, rigidez o un crujido que se intensifican gradualmente. Indique cualquier cambio de este tipo en una revisión posterior.

En la tabla de complicaciones de esta página se detallan las tasas habituales, si desea conocer los datos específicos.

¿Cuándo deben llamarnos?

La mayoría de los problemas posteriores a esta operación se manifiestan de forma visible o perceptible. Llámenos si tiene fiebre, si la piel alrededor de las heridas se vuelve más roja o comienza a exudar líquido, o si el dolor empeora repentinamente. Acuda a urgencias si presenta hinchazón en la pantorrilla, dificultad para respirar, entumecimiento nuevo en el brazo o la mano, o si no puede mover el brazo en absoluto. Estos síntomas requieren atención inmediata. Si no está seguro, llame a la clínica y le orientaremos.

En mayor profundidad

Esta sección profundiza más de lo necesario para que usted tome sus propias decisiones de tratamiento. Vale la pena leer más sobre la técnica de Latarjet, pues representa el ejemplo más claro de las compensaciones en la cirugía de hombro: es la intervención más fiable para mantener el hombro en su lugar, pero también la que conlleva mayor riesgo de complicaciones. Decidir entre esta técnica y una reparación de tejidos blandos implica determinar cuál de esos aspectos le resulta más importante.

¿Qué ventajas aporta?

En comparación directa con la reparación artroscópica de Bankart, el procedimiento de Latarjet arrojó una tasa de recurrencia más baja, mejores resultados reportados por los pacientes y un regreso más rápido a la práctica deportiva, aunque con una incidencia más alta de complicaciones [1]. Una comparación a largo plazo realizada en 3,088 pacientes mostró el mismo patrón: menor inestabilidad recurrente y tasas de reintervención más bajas tras el procedimiento abierto de Latarjet que tras la reparación artroscópica de Bankart; además, las tasas de artritis de gravedad moderada a severa fueron similares en ambos grupos [2].

Este último dato es importante, pues la preocupación habitual respecto al procedimiento de Latarjet es que el desplazamiento de hueso y tendón hacia la parte frontal de la articulación podría acelerar la aparición de artritis. Según estas evidencias, tras un seguimiento a largo plazo, esto no ocurre; las tasas de artritis resultaron ser similares en ambos casos.

Costo del procedimiento

Al analizar a 7,175 pacientes, la tasa general de complicaciones tras la cirugía de Latarjet fue de 6–7%; los problemas relacionados con el injerto fueron la categoría más frecuente [3]. No se observó diferencia significativa en la tasa de complicaciones entre la versión abierta y la artroscópica de la operación [3].

Un porcentaje del 6 al 7 % no es insignificante ni motivo de alarma; lo importante es su composición: las complicaciones se concentran en el hueso transferido, su fijación, su cicatrización y su reabsorción, y no en la articulación en sí. Esto es propio de la naturaleza misma de la intervención quirúrgica.

¿Por qué no se trata simplemente de la “mejor” operación?

Si el procedimiento de Latarjet presenta una tasa de recurrencia más baja, surge una pregunta obvia: ¿por qué se realiza aún la reparación de Bankart?

Parte de la respuesta radica en la tasa de complicaciones mencionada anteriormente. Otra razón es que las opciones quirúrgicas basadas en tejidos blandos han mejorado. En un total de 2,100 pacientes, la combinación de la técnica de remplissage con la reparación de Bankart redujo la recurrencia de la inestabilidad en comparación con la reparación de Bankart sola, sin generar un déficit significativo en la rotación externa; además, podría disminuir el riesgo de reoperación en comparación con el procedimiento de Latarjet [4].

Por lo tanto, la decisión real no es entre dos opciones, sino entre tres, y depende de la pérdida ósea glenoidea, de la presencia de la lesión de Hill-Sachs, del tipo de actividad deportiva que realice el paciente y de su edad; no de cuál procedimiento presente la cifra de recurrencia más favorable en los estudios.

Hágalo primero, si es que va a hacerlo

Hay un hallazgo que merece destacarse, ya que afecta al orden de las intervenciones más que a la técnica en sí. Al analizar datos de 1,571 pacientes, se observó que el procedimiento de Latarjet de rescate, realizado tras un intento previo fallido de estabilización, arrojó resultados inferiores al Latarjet primario en cuanto a inestabilidad recurrente y retorno al deporte previo a la lesión [5].

El procedimiento de Latarjet suele considerarse la opción de último recurso cuando la reparación de Bankart fracasa. Estos datos demuestran que, en dicha situación, su eficacia es menor que cuando se elige como intervención inicial. En el caso de un paciente con pérdida ósea significativa y altas exigencias funcionales, el plan de “probar primero la intervención menos compleja y recurrir al Latarjet más adelante” conlleva un coste clínico medible.

Referencias

[1] Hossein Zadeh R, Daliri M, Sadeghi M, Hossein Zadeh R, Sahebi M, Moradi A, et al. Reparación artroscópica de Bankart frente al procedimiento de Latarjet para la inestabilidad recurrente del hombro: un metaanálisis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024;33(12):e652-e674. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2024.06.024

[2] Meyer AM, Lorentz SG, Klifto CS, Bradley KE, Lau BC, Dickens JF, et al. Los resultados del procedimiento abierto de Latarjet presentan menores tasas de inestabilidad recurrente y de revisiones quirúrgicas que la reparación artroscópica de Bankart a largo plazo. Arthroscopy. 2025;41(9):3693-705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2024.12.038

[3] Hurley ET, Schwartz LB, Mojica ES, Campbell KA, Matache BA, Meislin RJ, et al. Complicaciones a corto plazo del procedimiento de Latarjet: una revisión sistemática. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021;30(7):1693-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2021.01.024

[4] Gonzalez-Morgado D, Ardebol J, Noble MB, Galasso LA, Menendez ME, Denard PJ. No hay diferencia en cuanto a la pérdida de rotación externa tras una reparación aislada de Bankart, técnica de remplissage o procedimiento de Latarjet: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Am J Sports Med. 2025;53(2):493-500. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241241825

[5] Zhang C, Yang S, Pang L, Li T, Li Y, Wang H, et al. El procedimiento de Latarjet realizado como intervención de rescate podría arrojar peores resultados en cuanto a inestabilidad recurrente y retorno a la práctica deportiva, en comparación con el procedimiento de Latarjet primario: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07593-w


Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy

  • The glenoid is a convex structure of shallow depth shaped like an inverted pear [3].
  • The glenoid cavity is a shallow socket, approximately one third the size of the humeral head [4].
  • The subchondral bone of the glenoid is relatively flat, and the articular concavity is augmented by cartilage and a circumferential labrum [6].
  • The glenoid averages 5° of retroversion in relation to the axis of the scapular body [6].
  • The humeral head is spherical and has a diameter of 37 to 57 mm [3].
  • The most superior portion of the articular surface of the humeral head averages 8 mm above the greater tuberosity [3].
  • Humeral version averages 29.8 degrees, with a range of 10 to 55 degrees [3].
  • The humeral head is inclined approximately 130 degrees with respect to the humeral shaft [3].
  • The neck-shaft angle measures an average of 135 degrees [4].
  • The humeral head is retroverted an average of 30 degrees [4].
  • The humeral head averages 19° of retroversion and 41° of inclination (neck-shaft angle) [6].
  • The bicipital groove lies between the greater tuberosity and lesser tuberosity and serves as a pathway for the long head of the biceps [3].
  • The distal aspect of the bicipital groove is internally rotated with respect to the proximal portion [3].
  • The anatomic neck of the proximal humerus is located at the junction of the articular surface and the tuberosities [3].
  • The surgical neck represents an indistinct region (metadiaphyseal junction) below the tuberosities but above the humeral shaft [3].
  • The greater tuberosity is located in a posterior-superior location with respect to the humeral shaft [3].
  • The lesser tuberosity is located on the anterior aspect of the proximal humerus [3].
  • The scapula is triangular when viewed anteroposteriorly, with its base situated superiorly and its apex inferiorly [5].
  • The glenoid is connected with the flat body of the scapula by the scapular neck [5].
  • The coracoid process curves forwards from the superior surface of the scapular neck [5].
  • The scapular spine ends in a flattened bony process, the acromion, which curves forwards [5].
  • The highest concentration of bony mass in the scapula is found in the glenoid, the scapular neck (including the base of the coracoid process), and the lateral border of the scapular body [5].
  • Two bony pillars transmit compressive forces from the glenoid fossa: the lateral pillar and the spinal pillar [5].
  • The lateral pillar connects the inferior border of the glenoid with the inferior angle [5].
  • The spinal pillar arises from the central part of the glenoid and continues medially to become part of the base of the scapular spine [5].
  • The weakest bone in the scapula is located primarily in the central part of the biomechanical body, specifically in the infraspinous fossa [5].
  • The weakest area of the circumference of the biomechanical body of the scapula is the spinomedial angle, which is the connection of the scapular spine and the medial border of the scapula [5].
  • The acromion has three ossification centers: the metacromion (base), the mesoacromion (middle), and the preacromion (tip) [6].
  • The proximal humerus has three centers of ossification: the humeral head (4 to 6 months), the greater tuberosity (1 to 3 years), and the lesser tuberosity (3 to 5 years) [6].
  • The ossification centers of the proximal humerus fuse to the shaft at age 17 to 20 years [6].

Soft Tissue & Ligaments

  • The greater tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor tendons of the rotator cuff [3].
  • The lesser tuberosity serves as the attachment site for the subscapularis tendon [3].
  • The rotator cuff consists of four muscles: the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and teres minor [4].
  • The teres major is not a rotator cuff muscle [4].
  • The rotator cuff muscles serve as depressors of the humeral head to allow the deltoid to efficiently abduct the humerus [4].
  • The infraspinatus and teres minor are external rotators, while the subscapularis is an internal rotator of the humerus [4].
  • The acromion, the coracoacromial ligament, and the coracoid process form the coracoacromial arch [3].
  • The coracoacromial arch is a rigid bony-ligamentous structure that imparts stability to the shoulder girdle [3].
  • The rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, and subdeltoid bursa pass underneath the coracoacromial arch [3].
  • The glenoid labrum provides concavity and up to 50% of marginal glenoid socket depth [6].
  • The rotator interval is defined medially by the base of the coracoid, superiorly by the supraspinatus tendon, and inferiorly by the subscapularis tendon [6].
  • The rotator interval contains the coracohumeral ligament, the superior glenohumeral ligament, and the intra-articular portion of the long head of the biceps tendon [6].
  • The coracohumeral ligament restricts external rotation in adduction and is a static restraint to inferior and posterior translation in adduction and external rotation [6].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm at the side [6].
  • The superior glenohumeral ligament, along with the coracohumeral ligament, forms a pulley that provides restraint against medial subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon [6].
  • The middle glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior translation with the arm in external rotation and 45° of abduction [6].
  • The anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against anterior-inferior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint in 90° of abduction and external rotation [6].
  • The posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament is a primary static restraint against posterior-inferior translation in internal rotation and adduction [6].
  • The superior transverse scapular ligament arises from the medial base of the coracoid overlying the suprascapular notch [6].
  • The suprascapular artery runs superior to the superior transverse scapular ligament, while the nerve runs deep to it [6].
  • Entrapment of the suprascapular nerve at the superior transverse scapular ligament causes denervation of both the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus [6].
  • The spinoglenoid ligament overlies the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch [6].
  • Entrapment, traction, or compression of the suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch causes denervation of the infraspinatus [6].
  • The subscapular bursa lies between the subscapularis tendon and the neck of the scapula [7].
  • The subscapular bursa communicates with the joint cavity between the superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments [7].
  • The subscapular bursa protects the tendon of the subscapularis at the point where it passes under the base of the coracoid process and over the neck of the scapula [7].
  • The subscapular bursa is linked to the coracoid process by a suspensory ligament [7].
  • In 28% of specimens dissected by Colas and colleagues, the subscapular bursae merged with the subcoracoid bursae, forming a unique wide bursa [7].
  • The subscapular bursa often houses loose bodies in the shoulder [7].
  • The subscapular bursa is a region in which synovitis of the shoulder may be most intense [7].
  • A soft tissue sheath consistently covers the long head of the biceps tendon to the level of the proximal margin of the pectoralis major tendon [7].
  • The fibro-osseous bicipital tunnel consists of three distinct anatomic zones: Zone 1 (bony groove), Zone 2 ("no man's land"), and Zone 3 (subpectoral region) [7].
  • Zone 1 of the bicipital tunnel represents the traditional bony bicipital groove beginning at the articular margin and ending at the distal margin of the subscapularis tendon [7].
  • Zone 2 of the bicipital tunnel extends from the distal margin of the subscapularis tendon to the proximal margin of the pectoralis major tendon [7].
  • Zone 3 of the bicipital tunnel is distal to the proximal margin of the pectoralis major tendon and represents the subpectoral region [7].

Vascular Supply

  • The proximal humerus receives its blood supply from the anterior and posterior humeral circumflex branches from the third division of the axillary artery [3].
  • The posterior humeral circumflex artery travels with the axillary nerve, enters the quadrilateral space posteriorly, and anastomoses with a branch of the anterior circumflex to supply the posterior cuff [3].
  • The anterior humeral circumflex artery arises from the axillary artery at the inferior border of the subscapularis [3].
  • The anterior humeral circumflex artery provides vascular inflow to the humeral head by way of its terminal anterolateral branch known as the artery of Laing (also known as the arcuate artery) [3].
  • The ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery courses parallel to the lateral aspect of the long head biceps tendon and enters the humeral head at the interface of the bicipital groove and greater tuberosity [3].
  • Injury to the arcuate artery may result in osteonecrosis of the humeral head [3].
  • Additional extraosseous collateral branches can permit humeral head perfusion despite complete ligation of the arcuate artery [3].
  • The major blood supply to the humeral head is through the ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery, which penetrates the head at the bicipital groove and becomes the arcuate artery [4].
  • The anterolateral ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery provides the primary blood supply to the humeral head [6].
  • The anterolateral ascending branch of the anterior humeral circumflex artery travels proximally in the lateral aspect of the intertubercular groove [6].
  • The terminal intraosseous portion of the anterior humeral circumflex artery enters at the proximal aspect of the intertubercular groove as the arcuate artery [6].
  • Fractures of the anatomic neck have a poor prognosis because of complete disruption of the blood supply to the head [4].
  • Surgical neck fractures are common, and with these, the blood supply to the head is preserved [4].

Biomechanics & Pathophysiology

  • Stability and function of the glenohumeral joint is provided by the interaction of the glenohumeral joint that promote a near global range of motion and purposeful function [3].
  • External loads transferred to the shoulder girdle are initially offset by joint surface anatomy, joint volume, atmospheric pressure, and joint fluid cohesion and adhesion [3].
  • Moderate and large loads are counterbalanced by the deltoid and rotator cuff and by the capsulolabral and bone structures, respectively [3].
  • Normal shoulder motion is approximately two-thirds glenohumeral and one third scapulothoracic [6].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex provides a stable connection between the scapula and the axial skeleton [6].
  • The superior shoulder suspensory complex is composed of the glenoid, the coracoid process, the coracoclavicular ligaments, the distal clavicle, the acromioclavicular joint, and the acromion [6].
  • The superior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the middle clavicle [6].
  • The inferior strut of the superior shoulder suspensory complex comprises the lateral scapular border/spine of the scapula [6].
  • The sternoclavicular joint is the only true diarthrodial articulation between the upper appendicular and axial skeletons [6].
  • The posterior sternoclavicular joint capsule and ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior translation of the medial clavicle [6].
  • The acromioclavicular joint is a small diarthrodial joint with an interposed fibrocartilaginous disk [6].
  • The superior and posterior acromioclavicular ligaments are the primary stabilizers to anterior and posterior (horizontal) translation of the clavicle [6].
  • The coracoclavicular ligaments (conoid: medial; trapezoid: lateral) are the primary stabilizers to superior (vertical) translation of the distal clavicle [6].
  • Dynamic stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint include the rotator cuff, which stabilizes the joint via joint compression [6].
  • Static stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint include articular congruity, the glenoid labrum, concavity-compression, negative intra-articular pressure, and the glenohumeral capsule and ligaments [6].
  • Laxity of the rotator interval results in inferior laxity (the sulcus sign) [6].
  • Contracture of the rotator interval is seen with adhesive capsulitis [6].
  • The malcentering of the joint reaction force on the glenoid leads to posterior instability, posterior glenoid wear, and "rocking horse" loosening of prosthetic glenoid components [2].

Investigations

Radiographic Evaluation

  • The purpose of shoulder imaging is to help establish the diagnosis, determine the severity of pathoanatomy, assist in surgical planning, and enable the surgeon to illustrate the condition of the shoulder to the patient [2].
  • Unless a specific research protocol is in place, the temptation to “overimage” should be resisted by obtaining only the scans or reconstructions necessary for patient care [2].
  • CT scans may offer increased precision in measuring glenoid version, but this precision does not necessarily improve the quality of surgery or clinical outcome [2].
  • Standardized plain films are almost always sufficient to garner the information needed for care [2].
  • Proper radiographic technique is as important as proper surgical technique to achieve the desired outcome [2].
  • The first key radiographic view is the anteroposterior (AP) view in the plane of the scapula, taken so that the x-ray beam passes through the glenohumeral joint [2].
  • The AP view in the plane of the scapula shows the superoinferior position of the humeral head relative to the glenoid, presence of osteophytes, narrowing of the joint space, degree of medial displacement of the humerus, quality of bone, presence of loose bodies, and humeral head collapse or deformity [2].
  • The second key radiographic view is the axillary view taken with the arm in the functional position of elevation in the plane of the scapula [2].
  • The axillary view is oriented so that both the spinoglenoid notch and the scapular neck are visible [2].
  • The axillary view demonstrates glenohumeral relationships in the functional position of elevation, referred to as the “truth view” [2].
  • CT scans have the disadvantage of being taken with the arm in the adducted position, whereas the axillary truth view is taken in elevation [2].
  • Many “axillary views” sent for consultation are taken without standardization, making it impossible to determine important features of the glenohumeral joint [2].
  • When taken properly, standardized anteroposterior and axillary views indicate cartilage space thickness, relative positions of the humeral head and glenoid, presence of osteophytes, degree of osteopenia, and extent of bony deformity and erosion [2].
  • Joint space narrowing is most evident on the axillary truth view as opposed to images made with the arm at the side [2].
  • The standardized axillary view can show posterior subluxation or “functional decentering” that is not evident in images taken with the arm at the side [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the plane of the scapula [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the position of the center of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid face [2].
  • The degree of posterior subluxation can be measured by the point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface [2].
  • The point of contact of the humeral articular surface on the glenoid articular surface reflects the degree of centering of the net humeral joint reaction force on the glenoid [2].
  • Malcentering of the joint reaction force leads to posterior instability, posterior glenoid wear, and “rocking horse” loosening of prosthetic glenoid components [2].
  • At least two X-ray views should be obtained: an anteroposterior in the plane of the glenoid and an axillary projection with the arm in abduction [11].
  • The axillary projection with the arm in abduction shows the relationship of the humeral head to the glenoid [11].
  • Three-dimensional reconstructions can reveal fine details of shoulder anatomy, but this additional information rarely changes the planning or conduct of arthroplasty [2].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful to identify osteonecrosis of the humeral head or a bone tumour [11].
  • MRI can identify labral tears and rotator cuff tears [11].
  • The accuracy of MRI for identifying labral tears and rotator cuff tears is enhanced by combining the scan with arthrography [11].

Computed Tomography

  • Computed tomography (CT) is helpful for planning fracture surgery and shoulder joint replacement [11].

Ultrasonography

  • Ultrasonography is a simple and accurate test for identifying rotator cuff tears and calcific tendinitis [11].
  • Ultrasonography can be useful in guiding injections or barbotage (aspirating calcific deposits in the rotator cuff) [11].
  • The most commonly performed joint examination using ultrasonography is the shoulder examination [9].
  • The accuracy of rotator cuff ultrasonography depends on the skill of the scanner operator and an awareness of pitfalls encountered [9].

General Imaging Principles

  • The shoulder is a three-dimensional structure that cannot be represented by a single planar view [13].
  • Critical relationships, such as the degree of centering of the humeral head, change with the position of the arm [13].
  • Shoulder pathology may be found in a large number of different bones and soft tissues [13].
  • Overlying and superimposed structures as well as metallic implants may complicate imaging the structures of interest [13].
  • Surgeons need to develop a judicious approach to imaging that yields necessary information while avoiding the tendency to "over-image" [13].

References

[2] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Arthroscopic Management of Prearthritic and Arthritic Conditions of the Shoulder and the Postarthroplasty Shoulder > Radiographic Evaluation.

[3] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Shoulder and Elbow Specialty Clinic Workers’ Survey > ANATOMY.

[4] A Lange Medical Book Current Diagnosis Treatment In Orthopedics Fifth Edition. 2Musculoskeletal Trauma Surgery > SHOULDER AND ARM INJURIES.

[5] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 29: Principles of Nonunion and Bone Defect Treatment > Applied Anatomy Related to Scapular Fractures.

[6] Aaos Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review 3. Anatomy of the Shoulder, Arm, and Elbow > I. Shoulder.

[7] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > Bursae.

[9] Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine 6. Diagnostic Ultrasonography and Ultrasonography-­Guided Procedures > Annotated References.

[11] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. INVESTIGATION.

[13] Rockwood And Matsen S The Shoulder. Developmental Anatomy of the Shoulder and Anatomy of the Glenohumeral Joint > SENIOR EDITOR COMMENTARY.

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