Anterior-inferior capsular shift of the shoulder: A biomechanical comparison of glenoid-based versus humeral-based shift strategies

This study compared the biomechanical effects of an anterior-inferior capsular shift based at the humeral side with one on the glenoid side of the joint on resultant multidirectional glenohumeral translation and rotation. Nine matched pairs of fresh cadaveric shoulders were placed in a testing apparatus that constrained 3 rotations but allowed simultaneous free translation of the humeral head with respect to the glenoid. The right and left shoulders of each of the matched pairs were randomized to undergo either a glenoid-based or humeral-based anterior capsular shift. The shoulders were tested vented and following the capsular shift procedure. Translational testing was performed at 0°, 45°, and 90° of glenohumeral elevation with the humerus in neutral rotation, 30° internal rotation, and 30° external rotation. Sequential loads of 30 N in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions were applied while maintaining a 22-N joint compressive load. The maximum arc of internal and external rotation after application of a 1-newton-meter moment was determined for the vented specimens and then after the capsular shift procedure. Both shift strategies resulted in significant limitation of anterior, posterior, and inferior translation in all of the tested positions. No significant differences were noted between the 2 shift strategies with respect to restriction of translation in the anterior or inferior directions. The glenoid-based shift caused a significantly greater decrease in posterior translation at 45° and 90° of abduction. With respect to rotation, the glenoid-based shift exerted significantly greater restriction on external rotation than the humeral-based shift. This study supports the use of either a humeral-based or glenoid-based shift to control multidirectional glenohumeral instability. Greater reduction in external rotation was demonstrated after the glenoid-based shift. Specific differences demonstrated in translation control for humeral-based versus glenoid-based capsular shift procedures may be useful in tailoring a procedure for specific instability patterns. (J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2001;10:340-52.)