New York and Greenwich, CT
January 18, 2023

Springer recently published Arthroscopy and Endoscopy of the Shoulder online including two chapters by Kevin D. Plancher’s, MD, MPH, FAOA, FAOS and his colleagues at the Orthopaedic Foundation for Active Lifestyles. The first chapter, Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability with Minimum Glenoid Bone Loss: Arthroscopic Bankart Repair with Modified Capsular Shift, discusses Arthroscopic Bankart repair as an accepted treatment option for patients presenting with anterior shoulder instability and minimal glenoid bone loss (<20%). Improvements in technology and surgeon experience have led to better patient outcomes and fewer complications compared to the open Bankart repair. The amount and location of bone loss associated with a Bankart lesion is a factor that must be considered in surgical decision-making when deciding between an open or arthroscopic Bankart repair, or an alternative procedure such as a Latarjet. This chapter will outline the indications and contraindications for arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients with anterior shoulder instability with minimal glenoid bone loss, as well as outline the modified arthroscopic Bankart technique used by the senior author.

The second chapter, Endoscopic Suprascapular Nerve Decompression at the Spinoglenoid and Suprascapular Notches, presents suprascapular neuropathy as characterized by pain or weakness in the afflicted shoulder as a result of compression of the suprascapular nerve. Delayed diagnosis could result in irreversible atrophy and weakness in the infraspinatus alone or both the infraspinatus and supraspinatus, depending on whether compression occurs at the superior transverse scapular ligament (TSL) or the spinoglenoid ligament. While conservative treatment is often the first line of management, release of the suprascapular nerve may be necessary to alleviate pain and restore strength. This chapter will explore arthroscopic release of the suprascapular nerve at the superior TSL and the spinoglenoid ligament.

Kevin D. Plancher, MD, MPH, FAOA, FAOS is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and founder of Plancher Orthopaedics. Dr. Plancher is a Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine and an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, at the Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University in New York. Since 2001, he has been listed annually in the Castle Connolly directory as a “top doctor” in his field.

Plancher Orthopaedics is a comprehensive orthopaedics and sports medicine practice, specializing in arthroplasty with offices in New York City and Greenwich, CT. Leaders in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and acute emergency treatment of sports injuries and rehabilitation utilizing the latest techniques in orthopaedic care. plancherortho.com