Distal Tibia Allograft (DTA) Glenoid Reconstruction

Overview

When repeated dislocations have worn away bone from the front of the shoulder socket, the socket can be rebuilt with a bone graft. In a distal tibia allograft (DTA) reconstruction, a piece of donor bone from the lower end of the tibia is shaped and fixed to the front of the glenoid with screws.

The distal tibia has a cartilage-covered surface whose curve closely matches the shoulder socket, so the graft restores both the bone and a smooth joint surface. Because the graft comes from a tissue bank, no bone is taken from your own shoulder.

DTA is used for significant glenoid bone loss, as an alternative to the Latarjet procedure, and for revision after a failed Latarjet or other stabilization surgery.

Benefits

• Restores bone and a cartilage joint surface
• No graft taken from your own body
• An option after failed Latarjet or prior stabilization surgery

Who is a Candidate?

Distal Tibia Allograft (DTA) may be appropriate for patients who meet certain criteria. Ideal candidates include:

• Recurrent instability with significant glenoid bone loss
• Failed Latarjet or other bone-block procedure
• Patients for whom a Latarjet is not suitable

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery is similar to the Latarjet: a sling for several weeks, staged physical therapy, and return to sports usually four to six months or more after surgery, once the graft has healed.