The effects of thermal capsular shrinkage on the outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for primary anterior shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy in the prevention of recurrent instability in primary anterior stabilization is undetermined. PURPOSE: To determine if patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability who have labral repair plus arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy have better outcomes than those with labral repair alone. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHOD: There were 72 patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization with Suretac II tacks (n = 32) during 1996 to 1999 or with Suretac II tacks plus arthroscopic radiofrequency capsular shrinkage (n = 40) from 1999 to 2002. Standardized patient-determined and examiner-determined outcome measures were obtained preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Statistical analyses included a Kaplan-Meier analysis of time to recurrent instability. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients, 66 had complete follow-up, including 28 patients treated with the Suretac stabilization and 38 patients with the Suretac plus radiofrequency shrinkage, for a mean follow-up of 58 and 30 months, respectively. All patients had a Bankart lesion. Both groups had similar results with respect to patient-determined and examiner-determined outcome measures. The only adverse outcome was postoperative recurrent instability in 6 of 28 cases in the Suretac group alone and 8 of 38 cases in the Suretac-plus -shrinkage group. Most recurrent instability occurred between 6 and 24 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis for time to recurrent instability showed no differences in the rate of instability recurrence between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy neither enhanced nor impaired the outcomes of arthroscopic labral repair with biodegradable tacks in patients with primary recurrent anterior shoulder instability.     

Arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization of collision and contact athletes

BACKGROUND: Repair of the anterior labrum (Bankart lesion) with tightening of the ligaments (capsulorrhaphy) is the recommended treatment for recurrent anterior glenohumeral dislocations. Current evidence suggests that arthroscopic anterior stabilization methods yield similar failure rates for resubluxation and redislocation when compared to open techniques. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4 PURPOSE: To examine the results of arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization of high-demand collision and contact athletes. METHODS: Thirteen collision and 5 contact athletes were identified from the senior surgeon's case registry. Analysis was limited to patients younger than 20 years who were involved in collision (football) or contact (wrestling, soccer) athletics. Objective testing included preoperative and postoperative range of motion and stability. Outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Society shoulder score, Simple Shoulder Test, SF-36, and Rowe scores. The surgical procedure was performed in a consistent manner: suture anchor repair of the displaced labrum, capsulorrhaphy with suture placement supplemented with thermal treatment of the capsule when indicated, and occasional rotator interval closure. Average follow-up was 37 months (range, 24-66 months). RESULTS: Two of 18 contact and collision athletes (11%) experienced recurrent dislocations after the procedure; both were collision athletes. One returned to play 3 years of high school football but failed after diving into a pool. One patient failed in his second season after his stabilization (>2 years) when making a tackle. None of the contact athletes experienced a recurrent dislocation, with all of them returning to high school or college athletics. CONCLUSIONS: One hundred percent of all collision and contact athletes returned to organized high school or college sports. Fifteen percent of those collision athletes had a recurrence, which has not required treatment. Participation in collision and contact athletics is not a contraindication for arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization using suture anchors, proper suture placement, capsulorrhaphy, and occasional rotator interval plication.     

Thermal versus suture treatment of symptomatic capsular laxity

This article reviews the clinical results of unipolar thermal capsular shrinkage in 30 patients and compares that group to similar groups previously managed by laser-assisted capsulorrhaphy or by an arthroscopic capsular shift procedure. Patients were evaluated with respect to incidence of recurrent instability, the need for reoperation, and the ability to return to previous levels of activity or sports participation. Patients were rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory based on criteria established by Neer. The results of this study suggest that thermal capsulorrhaphy with rotator interval plication is an effective treatment alternative for multidirectional instability, with results comparable to those previously reported with open and arthroscopic procedures.     

Arthroscopic stabilization of posterior shoulder instability

Posterior shoulder instability is a rare and challenging condition with a complex patho-anatomy. The role of arthroscopic repair in the treatment remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the result of arthroscopic stabilization procedures in patients with posterior shoulder instability. In this case series, we treated eighteen patients (19 shoulders) with posterior shoulder instability with either arthroscopic thermal capsular shrinkage (9 patients), capsulorrhaphy (3) or labral refixation (7). There were eight male and ten female patients with a mean age of 26 years. The study group included unidirectional (6 patients; PI), bi-directional (8; PII) and multidirectional posterior instability (5; MDI). The Rowe-score and DASH-score as well as subjective and objective evaluations of the patients function, range of motion, pain and instability were used as clinical outcome measurements. At a mean follow-up of 50 months, the Rowe-score improved significantly from 46 to 74 (P = 0.005). Four patients (21%) had recurrent instability after arthroscopic treatment (2 with generalized ligamentous laxity; 3 after thermal shrinkage). Analysis of postoperative DASH-scores showed a tendency toward inferior outcomes after thermal shrinkage and in patients with an a-traumatic origin of shoulder instability. We conclude that arthroscopic shoulder stabilization by either labral refixation or capsulorrhaphy is a safe and effective treatment for posterior shoulder instability. Thermal capsular shrinkage however showed poor results and should be abandoned for this indication.     

Revision surgery for failed thermal capsulorrhaphy

BACKGROUND: With the failure of thermal capsulorrhaphy for shoulder instability, there have been concerns with capsular thinning and capsular necrosis affecting revision surgery. PURPOSE: To report the findings at revision surgery for failed thermal capsulorrhaphy and to evaluate the technical effects on subsequent revision capsular plication. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Fourteen patients underwent arthroscopic evaluation and open reconstruction for a failed thermal capsulorrhaphy. The cause of the failure, the quality of the capsule, and the ability to suture the capsule were recorded. The patients were evaluated at follow-up for failure, which was defined as recurrent subluxations or dislocations. RESULTS: The origin of the instability was traumatic (n = 6) or atraumatic (n = 8). At revision surgery in the traumatic group, 4 patients sustained failure of the Bankart repair with capsular laxity, and the others experienced capsular laxity alone. In the atraumatic group, all patients experienced capsular laxity as the cause of failure. Of the 14 patients, the capsule quality was judged to be thin in 5 patients and ablated in 1 patient. A glenoid-based capsular shift could be accomplished in all 14 patients. At follow-up (mean, 35.4 months; range, 22 to 48 months), 1 patient underwent revision surgery and 1 patient had a subluxation, resulting in a failure rate of 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent capsular laxity after failed thermal capsular shrinkage is common and frequently associated with capsular thinning. In most instances, the capsule quality does not appear to technically affect the revision procedure.     

Arthroscopic versus open Bankart repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability

After more than 15 years of experience, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization is becoming less controversial. Historically, recurrence rates following arthroscopic stabilization have been higher than with open stabilization. Although a negligible advantage may exist in terms of expedited postoperative rehabilitation and improved postoperative recovery of motion, critics suggest that its use in contact athletes be limited. The indications for arthroscopic stabilization are expanding, in part, because of improved understanding of the pathophysiology of shoulder instability. Understanding the mechanism of recurrent instability following arthroscopic stabilization offers clues to how physicians can prevent unsatisfactory results in the future. With newer instrumentation and the ability to thermally treat capsular tissue, coexisting pathology, such as capsular plastic deformation, rotator interval lesions, and unrecognized intra-articular pathology, can now be addressed arthroscopically. The judicious use of these techniques is warranted until long-term study results become available. Ideal patients for arthroscopic Bankart repair have a discrete Bankart lesion; a robust, well-developed IGHL; no significant capsular laxity or intraligamentous injury; and an absence of concomitant intra-articular pathology. Additional findings on MR imaging or CT evidence of a discrete labral lesion and pure unidirectional anterior instability during EUA are also good prognostic indicators for arthroscopic Bankart repair. Arthroscopic criteria that render patients less appropriate for an arthroscopic repair include capsular injury, capsular laxity, a bony Bankart lesion, glenohumeral arthritis, and a rotator cuff tear. The authors' believe that either absent or patulous, poorly developed glenohumeral ligaments represent a poor prognostic indicator for a successful outcome following standard arthroscopic Bankart repair. Individuals with poor-quality tissue are more predictably managed using open capsulorrhaphy. Patients with pathologic ligamentous laxity in the absence of a Bankart lesion or any apparent intraligamentous injury to the IGHL are also good candidates for treatment with an open capsulorrhaphy. Findings determined from a thorough physical examination, EUA, and the pathology appreciated during diagnostic arthroscopy help to appropriately choose the surgical procedure that effectively addresses pathology in patients who present with recurrent traumatic anterior instability. Patient preferences and surgical experience are important determinants of procedure selection, and current arthroscopic techniques lack the versatility to uniformly address the entire spectrum of pathology that may be associated with traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Surgeons should always be prepared to convert to an open-stabilization technique if the arthroscopic technique is deficient in addressing all pathology identified at the time of surgery.     

The modified Bristow procedure for anterior shoulder instability: 26-year outcomes in Naval Academy midshipmen

BACKGROUND: Many procedures have been proposed for the correction of anterior shoulder instability. Some of these procedures address the problem anatomically, such as the Bankart procedure, and some prevent instability nonanatomically, such as the Bristow-Latarjet procedure. A modified Bristow procedure was the procedure of choice for anterior shoulder instability among midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy from 1975 to 1979. HYPOTHESIS: The modified Bristow procedure for anterior shoulder instability provides good shoulder function and stability in the long term. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: There were 52 shoulders in 49 patients reviewed at a mean follow-up of 26.4 years. The Rowe score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index were used to assess outcomes. RESULTS: The mean Rowe score was 81.8 (range, 5-100), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 82.9 (range, 30-100), with an overall Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation of 71.2% (37 of 52 shoulders) rated as good and excellent. The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 376 of 2100 (range, 0-1560). Overall, recurrent instability occurred in 8 of 52 shoulders (15.4%), with recurrent dislocation in 5 shoulders (9.6%) and recurrent subluxation in 3 shoulders (5.8%). The mean time to recurrent dislocation was 7.0 years. CONCLUSION: This study represents the longest follow-up in the literature of the modified Bristow procedure. The authors have shown nearly 70% good and excellent results and recurrent instability comparable with other long-term follow-up studies of open instability procedures.     

Arthroscopic stabilization in patients with an inverted pear glenoid: results in patients with bone loss of the anterior glenoid

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has demonstrated that the success rates of arthroscopic stabilization of glenohumeral instability deteriorate in patients with an anteroinferior glenoid bone deficiency, also known as the "inverted pear" glenoid. PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the outcomes of arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability in patients with a mean anteroinferior glenoid bone deficiency of 25% (range, 20%-30%). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Twenty-one of 23 patients (91% follow-up) undergoing arthroscopic stabilization surgery and noted to have a bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid of 20% to 30% were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 34 months (range, 26-47). The mean age was 25 years (range, 20-34); 2 patients were female and 19 were male. All patients were treated with a primary anterior arthroscopic stabilization using a mean of 3.2 suture anchors (range, 3-4). Eleven patients had a bony Bankart that was incorporated into the repair; 10 had no bone fragment and were considered attritional bone loss. Outcomes were assessed using the Rowe score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) Index. Findings of recurrent instability and dislocation events were documented. RESULTS: Two patients (9.5%) experienced symptoms of recurrent subluxation, and 1 (4.8%) sustained a recurrent dislocation that required revision open surgery. The mean postoperative outcomes scores were as follows: SANE = 88.1 (range, 65-100; standard deviation [SD] 9.0); Rowe = 85.2 (range, 55-100; SD 14.1); ASES Score = 93.1 (range, 78-100; SD 5.3); and WOSI Index = 398 (82% of normal; range, 30-1175; SD 264). No patient with a bony fragment experienced a recurrent subluxation or dislocation, and mean outcomes scores for patients with a bony fragment were better than those with no bony fragment (P = .08). No patient required medical discharge from the military for his or her shoulder condition. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent instability, even in the presence of a significant bony defect of the glenoid, can yield a stable shoulder; however, outcomes are not as predictable especially in attritional bone loss cases. Longer-term follow-up is needed to see if these results hold up over time.     

Arthroscopic laser-assisted capsular shift in the treatment of patients with multidirectional shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: In recent years, various investigators have begun using lasers in the treatment of shoulder instability. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic laser-assisted capsular shift is an effective treatment for patients with multidirectional shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 28 patients (30 shoulders) with multidirectional shoulder instability who were unresponsive to nonoperative management and who had undergone the laser-assisted capsular shift procedure. Twenty-five patients (27 shoulders) with an average follow-up of 28 months were available for review. All patients underwent a physical examination and completed a general questionnaire; the University of California, Los Angeles, shoulder rating scale; the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index; and the Short-Form 36 quality of life index. RESULTS: In 22 shoulders, results of the procedure were considered a success because the patients had no recurrent symptoms and at latest follow-up had required no further operative intervention. In five shoulders, results were considered a failure because of recurrent pain or instability and the need for an open capsular shift procedure. With recurrent instability as a measure of failure, the overall success rate was 81.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results with laser-assisted capsular shift are comparable with the results of other open and arthroscopic techniques in relieving pain and returning athletes to their premorbid function.     

Recurrent shoulder instability after open reconstruction in athletes involved in collision and contact sports

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of recurrent instability in a group of young athletes who underwent open shoulder stabilization with a modified Bankart repair and anterior capsulorrhaphy. Recurrent dislocation was defined as an instability episode resulting in complete dislocation requiring manual reduction. Recurrent subluxation was defined as the subjective history of the shoulder "slipping or popping out" or pain and apprehension that caused cessation of athletics for at least 1 day. Sixty-six patients (64 men and 2 women) were included in the study. A collision sport precipitated instability in 53 patients and a contact sport in 13. The average follow-up was 47 months (range, 24 to 72). The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 95 points (range, 71 to 100). The average Rowe score was 80 points (range, 40 to 100). Two patients had experienced recurrent dislocation after surgery (3%). Eight patients (12%) had rare (fewer than three) episodes of postsurgical subluxation. Five patients (8%) had multiple recurrent subluxations after surgery. Postsurgical recurrent instability was significantly associated with preoperative episodes of subluxation. However, all patients with rare subluxation had an excellent functional result.     

Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability: results in 33 patients

BACKGROUND: Posterior shoulder instability is a relatively rare condition and a surgical challenge. Arthroscopic techniques have allowed for a potential improvement as well as diagnosis and management of this condition. PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic posterior shoulder stabilization and to evaluate preoperative and intraoperative variables as predictors of success. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty-three consecutive patients with a mean age of 25 years (range, 19-34 years) who underwent posterior arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with suture anchors (mean, 3 anchors) or suture capsulolabral plication (mean, 5.3 stitches) or both were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 39.1 months (range, 22-60 months). Shoulder outcomes rating scores were determined using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, the Subjective Patient Shoulder Evaluation, and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation. RESULTS: There were 7 failures: 4 for recurrent instability and 3 for symptoms of pain. Overall, outcomes scores demonstrated mean values of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Rating Scale of 94.6, Subjective Patient Shoulder Evaluation of 20.0, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index of 389.4 (81.5% of normal), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation of 87.5. Patients with voluntary instability demonstrated worse outcomes (P = .025), and those with prior surgery of the shoulder also did worse (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability is an effective means to improve symptoms associated with recurrent posterior subluxation of the shoulder. It can provide predictable success in the setting of unidirectional, nonvoluntary posterior instability without prior surgery.     

Arthroscopic management of glenohumeral instability

There has been substantial development of techniques for performing arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder over the past 20 years. A multitude of arthroscopic techniques have been developed in an attempt to manage the unstable glenohumeral joint while decreasing surgical morbidity. The results obtained with arthroscopic stabilization have been widely variable. This review will examine the current status of arthroscopic management of glenohumeral instability. The techniques and results of arthroscopic stabilization for primary anterior glenohumeral instability, recurrent anterior instability, and multidirectional instability will be discussed. A brief discussion on thermal capsulorrhaphy is included.     

A prospective,randomized evaluation of arthroscopic stabilization versus nonoperative treatment in patients with acute,traumatic, first-time shoulder dislocations

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative treatment of traumatic shoulder dislocations leads to a high rate of recurrent dislocations. HYPOTHESIS: Early arthroscopic treatment for shoulder dislocation will result in a lower recurrence rate than nonoperative treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Two groups of patients were studied to compare nonoperative treatment with arthroscopic Bankart repair for acute, traumatic shoulder dislocations in young athletes. Fourteen nonoperatively treated patients underwent 4 weeks of immobilization followed by a supervised rehabilitation program. Ten operatively treated patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with a bioabsorbable tack followed by the same rehabilitation protocol as the nonoperatively treated patients. The average follow-up was 36 months. RESULTS: Three patients were lost to follow-up. Twelve nonoperatively treated patients remained for follow-up. Nine of these (75%) developed recurrent instability. Six of the nine have required subsequent open Bankart repair for recurrent instability. Of the nine operatively treated patients available for follow-up, only one (11.1%) developed recurrent instability. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic stabilization of traumatic, first-time anterior shoulder dislocations is an effective and safe treatment that significantly reduces the recurrence rate of shoulder dislocations in young athletes when compared with conventional, nonoperative treatment.     

Laser capsulorrhaphy for multidirectional instability of the shoulder. An outcomes study and proposed classification system

BACKGROUND: Clinical data on the efficacy of laser capsulorrhaphy for the treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder are limited. HYPOTHESIS: The diagnosis of multidirectional instability includes a spectrum of pathologic symptoms that warrants subclassification; laser capsulorrhaphy alone is not uniformly effective for all subtypes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. METHODS: Twenty-five shoulders in 21 patients were treated with laser capsulorrhaphy for multidirectional instability. Functional outcomes at a mean duration of 32 months' follow-up (range, 24 to 48 months) were recorded. RESULTS: Instability recurred in 60% of patients with congenital multidirectional instability, 17% of patients with acquired multidirectional instability, and 33% of patients with posttraumatic multidirectional instability (overall recurrence rate, 40%). Generalized ligamentous laxity was a risk factor for recurrence. Patient satisfaction rates were 40%, 83%, and 22% for the congenital, acquired, and posttraumatic subgroups. Reasons for dissatisfaction included recurrent instability, persistent pain, and inability to return to athletic activity at desired capacity. The overall mean postoperative Simple Shoulder Test score was 84%. The mean postoperative numeric rating score for pain was 3.3 (10-point scale). CONCLUSIONS: Laser capsulorrhaphy may be effective for patients with acquired multidirectional instability secondary to repetitive microtrauma but is less predictable in the other subgroups.     

Arthroscopic versus open shoulder stabilization for recurrent anterior instability: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability has been reported to result in a higher rate of recurrent instability compared to traditional open techniques. PURPOSE: To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability treated with open or arthroscopic stabilization. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A consecutive series of 64 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were randomized to receive either arthroscopic or open stabilization by a single surgeon. Magnetic resonance arthrogram studies were obtained preoperatively. These findings were compared to arthroscopic findings. Postoperative evaluations included range of motion, stability, and subjective assessments including Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, Western Ontario Instability Index, and University of California, Los Angeles evaluation. Failure was defined as a second dislocation, recurrent subluxation, or symptoms precluding return to previous work or unrestricted active military duty. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients, 29 who received open stabilization and 32 who received arthroscopic stabilization, were evaluated at a mean of 32 months postoperatively (range, 24-48 months). Patient demographics were equivalent. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrogram findings were confirmed at arthroscopic examination. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for the arthroscopic repairs (59 vs 149 minutes; P < .001). There were 3 clinical failures (2 open stabilizations, 1 arthroscopic stabilization) by the established criteria. There was a statistically significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores in both groups (P < .001). The mean loss of motion (compared to the contralateral shoulder) was greater in the open shoulders. Subjective evaluations were equal in both groups. Conclusion: Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic and open stabilization were comparable. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms in shoulders with anterior instability allow an accurate diagnosis of intra-articular abnormality that correlates well with operative findings. Arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability can be performed safely; the clinical outcomes are comparable to those after traditional open stabilization.     

A prospective outcome evaluation of arthroscopic Bankart repairs: minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder dislocation has become possible through improvements in instruments and techniques. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate results of arthroscopic Bankart repairs at a minimum 2-year follow-up for patients with histories of shoulder dislocation and an anterior-inferior labral tear at the time of diagnostic arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A consecutive series of 85 patients (70 men, 15 women; mean age, 26 years) with Bankart lesions were treated with arthroscopic repair using suture anchors; 18 patients (27%) had extension of the labral injury into the superior labrum affecting some or all of the biceps anchor. Anchors were loaded with no. 2 nonabsorbable braided suture and placed 2 mm into the edge of the glenoid surface. A low anterior (5-o'clock) portal through the subscapularis tendon was used in all patients; 72 patients were evaluated at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively (mean, 46 months). RESULTS: Seven patients (10%) experienced recurrent instability after repair. Four patients had redislocations; 3 experienced recurrent subluxations. One patient had pain with the apprehension test without a clear history of recurrent instability. Of 18 collision athletes, 2 had dislocations at 22 and 60 months postoperatively. There were no complications, including no neurologic deficits. Clinical strength testing of the subscapularis muscle was normal in all patients. The mean Rowe score was 88 of 100 points, with 90% excellent or good results. Simple Shoulder Test responses improved from 66% positive preoperatively to 88% positive postoperatively. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring index averaged 92 of 100 points postoperatively. Pain analog scales improved from 5.5 preoperatively to 0.35 postoperatively on a 10-point scale. SF-12 scores improved for physical function. Patient satisfaction was rated 8.9 on a 10-point visual analog scale. CONCLUSION: Bankart repairs performed arthroscopically using properly implanted suture anchors and nonabsorbable sutures and in which associated pathoanatomy is addressed demonstrate low recurrence rates (10%) similar to historical open controls.     

Long-term results of arthroscopic Bankart repair with a bioabsorbable tack

BACKGROUND: Short-term to midterm data are available on arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using bioabsorbable tacks or suture anchors. It remains unknown whether these techniques can equal the success of open Bankart repair in the long term. PURPOSE: To assess the long-term outcome of arthroscopic Bankart repair using bioabsorbable tacks in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability with a minimum follow-up of 7 years. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Treatment outcomes were determined prospectively according to the Rowe score and retrospectively according to the Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores. Included in this study were 18 consecutive patients with a mean age of 26.8 years (range, 16-62 years) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair using bioabsorbable tacks for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. The study group consisted of 14 male and 4 female patients. The mean follow-up was 8.7 years (range, 7.0-9.8 years). RESULTS: One patient had recurrent dislocations requiring further surgery, for an overall failure rate of 5.6%. An additional patient had 1 traumatic subluxation episode within the first postoperative year that did not recur. According to the Rowe score, which increased to 90.3 (17.8) from 32.8 (8.3) points preoperatively, 15 patients (83.3%) achieved a good or excellent result. The mean Constant score was 91.3 (SD, 6.9) points, and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 92.1 (SD, 6.9) points postoperatively. A return to the preinjury level of sports competition was reported by 64% of patients. No signs of synovitis occurred in any patient postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic Bankart repair for the treatment of recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability repair using bioabsorbable tacks offers reliable results with respect to failure rate, range of motion, and shoulder function during a minimum follow-up of 7.0 years. In contrast to previous reports on arthroscopic Bankart repair, results did not deteriorate during follow-up.     

Open Bankart repair versus arthroscopic repair with transglenoid sutures or bioabsorbable tacks for Recurrent Anterior instability of the shoulder: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: In published comparative studies, it remains unknown if arthroscopic techniques for performing Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability equal the success of open repair. HYPOTHESIS: The current literature supports a lower rate of recurrent instability after open Bankart repair compared to arthroscopic repair with bioabsorbable tacks or transglenoid sutures. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis. METHODS: A Medline search identified all randomized controlled trials or cohort studies that directly compared open repair to arthroscopic techniques of Bankart repair for traumatic, unilateral, recurrent anterior instability. Data collected from each study included patient demographics, surgical technique, rehabilitation, outcome, and complications. RESULTS: Six studies met all inclusion criteria. There were 172 patients in the arthroscopic group (90 patients with transglenoid sutures, 77 patients with arthroscopic tacks, and 5 patients with suture anchors) and 156 patients in the open group. The groups were similar in demographic characteristics. When comparing the arthroscopic to the open group, there was a significantly higher rate of recurrent dislocation (12.6% vs 3.4%; P = .01) and total recurrence (recurrent dislocation or subluxation) (20.3% vs 10.3%; P = .01). In addition, there was a higher proportion of patients with an excellent or good postoperative Rowe score in the open group (88%) than in the arthroscopic group (71%) (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair using transglenoid sutures or bioabsorbable tacks results in a higher rate of recurrence of instability compared to open techniques. Studies comparing open repair to newer arthroscopic techniques using suture anchor fixation and capsular plication are necessary.     

Inferior capsular shift operation for multidirectional instability of the shoulder in players of contact sports

OBJECTIVES: To assess the results of inferior capsular shift for multidirectional instability of the shoulder in athletes. METHODS: Multidirectional instability was surgically corrected in 53 shoulders in 47 athletes who engaged in contact sports. A history of major trauma was found in eight patients, the others having had minor episodes. Before surgery, all patients had complex combinations of instabilities. The surgical approach was selected according to the predominant direction of instability. RESULTS: Anterior inferior capsular shift was carried out in 37 shoulders, and anterior dislocation recurred in three. In one of these, it was anterior alone, one was anterior and inferior, and one was unstable in all three directions. After posterior inferior capsular shift in 16 shoulders, one dislocation occurred anteriorly and one posteriorly. With the anterior approach, four athletes could not return to sport. Two patients treated with the posterior approach could not return to sport. Of these six failures, five patients had had bilateral repairs. Successful repair based on the criteria of the American Shoulder and Elbow Association was achieved in 92% of anterior repairs and 81% of posterior repairs. Successful return to sport was noted in 82% of patients with anterior repairs, 75% with posterior repairs, and 17% with bilateral repairs. Overall, there were five subsequent dislocations, three in the anterior repair group (8%), and two in the posterior repair group (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Inferior capsular shift can successfully correct multidirectional instability in most players of contact sports, but the results in bilateral cases are poor.     

Early arthroscopic treatment of primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. A follow-up study

This study evaluates the results of early arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients with primary traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder. The patients'age range was 17–34 years. Arthroscopic Bankart repair was performed within 12 days after the dislocation. First follow-up was at 18 months. According to Rowe's score, 11 patients (73%) were excellent, 3 (20%) were good and 1 (7%) was poor. The median external rotation deficit was 4 in the adducted position. At a second follow-up at 34 months, two patients had redislocated. Both of these patients had severe generalized joint laxity. Another patient reported frequent subluxations. We conclude that in young patients with primary anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation, early arthroscopic Bankart repair implies a low recurrence rate and restores shoulder function to normal. Generalized joint laxity could indicate an increased risk for recurrent dislocation.