Editorial Commentary: A Functional Capsule, Not the Type of Bone Graft, Determines Outcome After Shoulder Stabilization in Cases of Anterior Glenoid Bone Deficiency

Abstract

Many clinical results of surgical treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder instability confirm the importance of anterior bone grafting of the glenoid defect. Some studies even propose to perform a graft, even when there is no bony defect. Short- and middle-term studies report comparable results between bone grafting and Latarjet procedure. But one of the main questions that still remains is the quality and efficiency of the capsule. If Latarjet is the gold standard in anterior shoulder stabilization with very good results at very long follow-up, it is probably because the capsule is replaced by the conjoint tendon. Because Latarjet is a difficult surgery and has some complexes and/or challenging complications and because it is a nonanatomic procedure, there is a true place for anterior bone grafting. This anterior grafting under arthroscopy provides excellent results, but it is mandatory to be sure that the shoulder capsule is working. Clinical, functional, and imaging studies of this capsule need to be performed for a better understanding of the unstable shoulder function and treatment.