Repair of a Reverse HAGL: A 2-Portal Technique

Glenohumeral joint stability is reliant on a combination of static and dynamic constraints. Humeral avulsion of the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) is an exceedingly rare injury. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose and can lead to continued pain, dysfunction, and recurrent instability. There is a paucity of literature regarding surgical management of reverse HAGL lesions.

Many intrasubstance reverse HAGL lesions can be managed nonoperatively with rehabilitation focused on improving shoulder stability. Although the incidence of recurrent instability in patients with reverse HAGL lesions is unknown, the acute detached humeral lesions in athletes are often treated surgically to restore normal shoulder.

The patient was placed in a standard beach chair position, and the standard portals were made for a diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy. The anterior portal was the primary viewing portal. Using the initial posterior skin incision, instruments were introduced through the defect from the retracted posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. Using a combination of the 30° and 70° arthroscope, the HAGL was mobilized from the infraspinatus musculature. Two knotless suture devices (1.8-mm suture anchor, 2.6-mm suture anchor) were used to reduce the reverse HAGL lesion to an anatomical position, and the posterior capsule was closed thereafter.

Only case studies and a single case series have been published pertaining to reverse HAGL repair techniques and related outcomes. When diagnosed and treated appropriately, arthroscopic repairs yield promising results with a high percentage of patients returning to prior level of activity or returning to prior participation level in sport. However, outcome data are limited given the rare occurrence of this injury pattern.

Reverse HAGL pathology can be treated effectively with arthroscopic surgical repair to restore the normal capsular anatomy and prevent recurrent instability and persistent posterior shoulder pain. Using a 2-portal approach with posterior capsular closure is a minimally invasive operation that allows for appropriate management of these rare injuries.

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