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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryTypes of surgery recommendedWho should consider surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft)?What happens without surgery?Surgical optionsEffectiveness Urgency Risks Managing riskPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Anterior glenoid reconstruction for unstable dislocating shoulders. Surgery to restore lost anterior glenoid bone and deep the socket with a bone graft can restore shoulder anatomy and lessen pain and improve function.

Edited By: Winston J. Warme, MD, Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D.
Last updated Monday, October 09, 2006

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Considering surgery

What kinds of surgery are recommended for failed surgery for anterior dislocation?

When the anterior soft tissues of the shoulder are deficient, particularly if there is loss of the bone from the front of the socket, iliac crest grafting to the anterior glenoid lip provides the most robust of reconstruction techniques.

Other procedures, such as a repeat Bankart repair, may be of benefit if the bony anatomy is normal and if adequate quantity and quality of soft tissues remain.

Shoulder fusion can stabilize the shoulder, but takes away the mobility at the ball and socket joint.

Who should consider surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft) for failed surgery for anterior dislocation and in what cases?

Iliac crest graft surgery is considered when dislocations or instability of the shoulder have recurred after previous surgery for dislocations.

If the patient and doctor decide to use this surgical procedure, it is important that:

  1. the instability is the problem,
  2. the patient is sufficiently healthy to undergo the procedure,
  3. the patient understands and accepts the risks and alternatives,
  4. the surgeon is experienced in shoulder reconstructive surgery, and
  5. the patient is dedicated to the rehabilitation program after the surgery.

What happens if nothing is done for failed surgery for anterior dislocation (best case/worst case scenarios)?

If the shoulder dislocates repeatedly, the dislocations tend to become more frequent and to require less force.

Recurrent dislocations may cause risk to the bone, the rotator cuff and to the nerves and blood vessels in front of the joint.

What options exist for surgery for failed surgery for anterior dislocation?

Several options exist for the patient with failed shoulder instability surgery.

One is to accept the tendency for dislocation and to control it with careful positioning of the shoulder and with exercises.

A second option is for the surgeon to attempt a repeat soft tissue repair, assuming there is sufficient and sufficiently strong tissue.

The third option is to perform an anatomically contoured extracapsular iliac crest bone graft to the anterior glenoid lip.

A final option is to perform a fusion of the shoulder.

When performed by an experienced surgeon, how effective is surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft) for failed surgery for anterior dislocation likely to be and how long will the benefit last?

If the problem is recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability after surgery, anterior iliac crest grafting is usually very effective in restoring stability. Once the glenoid graft is healed solidly (usually after 3 months) the stability should not be lost with time unless a new injury occurs.

How urgent is surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft) for failed surgery for anterior dislocation?

Surgery for failed instability surgery is an elective procedure that can be scheduled when circumstances are optimal. It is not an urgent procedure. The patient has plenty of time to become informed and to select an experienced surgeon.

What are the most frequent and most serious risks of surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft) for failed surgery for anterior dislocation? How common are they?

The risks of iliac crest grafting to the anterior glenoid lip include but are not limited to the following:

  • infection,
  • injury to nerves and blood vessels,
  • fracture,
  • stiffness or instability of the joint,
  • loosening or wear of the bone graft,

  • screw loosening,
  • arthritis,
  • and problems at the bonegraft harvest site.

There are also risks to anesthesia.

A blood transfusion is only rarely required.

An experienced shoulder replacement team will use special techniques to minimize these risks, but cannot totally eliminate them.

If risks occur during or after surgery to deepen the socket of anteriorly dislocating shoulders (using an anterior iliac crest bone graft) for failed surgery for anterior dislocation how are they managed?

Most of the risks of iliac crest graft surgery can be effectively managed if they are identified promptly and treated. Infections may require a wash out in the operating room, possibility with removal of the graft. Blood vessel or nerve injury may require repair. Fracture may require surgical fixation. Stiffness or instability may require exercises or additional surgery. Loosening of hardware or wear of the graft may require surgical revision. Arthritis of the shoulder may require joint reconstruction. If the patient has questions or concerns about the course after surgery, the surgeon should be informed as soon as possible.

Surgery for failed surgery for anterior dislocation at the University of Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.


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