Modified Arthroscopic Bristow Procedure: Screw Fixation Without Subscapularis Split

• Published in: Arthroscopy techniques (Amsterdam) 2023-08, Vol.12 (8), p.e1249-e1257
• Main Authors: Dai, Linghui, Wang, Jianquan, Yan, Hui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Technical Note
• ISSN: 2212-6287; 2212-6287
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2023.03.015

In the presence of bone loss, the Bristow or Latarjet procedure is used to alleviate anterior glenohumeral instability. The techniques have gradually improved under arthroscopy. However, such an arthroscopic procedure has a steep learning curve, lengthy operation time, and considerable risk of complications, inhibiting its rapid development. The current method of modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure with screw fixation without subscapularis split reduces surgical time, reduces the risk of nerve damage consequences, and is simple to apply. Video 1 We present our modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure: screw fixation without subscapularis split. The patient is placed in the beach-chair position, and 5 portals are created. After performing a diagnostic arthroscopy examination, the coracoid process lower surface, tip, and base, and the conjoined tendon are identified. The soft tissue lateral to the conjoined tendon is released to a sufficient length to allow transferring the coracoid process. The coracoacromial ligament is excised at its coracoid insertion to expose its lateral and upper surfaces. Subsequently, the pectoralis minor muscle is released from the coracoid to ∼5 cm below the junctions between the pectoralis minor muscle and the conjoined tendon to ensure the transfer of the coracoid process will not be affected. A 1.2-mm K-wire is drilled into the coracoid under the guidance of a thin cannula. A PDS line is passed through the bone tunnel for traction and guidance. After ensuring an adequate length of the coracoid bone, it is osteotomized with a willow saw. Subsequently, the labrum and capsule are detached completely from the glenoid to the 6-o’clock position. The glenoid is refreshed by a burr. The upper edge of the subscapularis is pressed downwards by a switching stick until the 4-o’clock position of the anterior glenoid is exposed. A marking point is placed to assist in creating a tunnel at the 4-o’clock position. After drilling and measuring, a 1.2-mm K-wire is inserted into the tunnel to guide the screw. The coracoid is pulled out through portal D, its length is measured, and its osteotomy surface is trimmed to match the anterior glenoid surface. A hole is drilled from the center of the osteotomy surface to the tip of the coracoid with a 1.2-mm K-wire. The hole created by the 1.2-mm K-wire is drilled through with a 2.7-mm hollow drill. A cannulated screw with a diameter of 4 mm is implanted into the coracoid graft along the 1.2-mm K-wire,