Nonabsorbable versus absorbable suture anchors for open Bankart repair. A prospective, randomized comparison

Suture anchors facilitate the surgical repair of capsuloligamentous structures to bone. Bioabsorbable suture anchors, which obviate potential pitfalls in the periarticular use of permanent implants, have recently become available. We randomly assigned 40 patients to undergo modified Bankart shoulder repairs with either nonabsorbable or absorbable suture anchors. The patients had a history of recurrent traumatic anterior instability that had not improved with nonoperative management. The average patient age was 22 years (range, 17 to 46), and the average preoperative Rowe score was 47 points in the nonabsorbable anchor group and 47 points in the absorbable anchor group. Average postoperative Rowe scores were 96 and 93 points, respectively. There was one failed result in the nonabsorbable anchor group and two in the absorbable anchor group. No statistically significant subjective or objective differences were found at an average of 25 months postoperatively. Our results reveal that, in this application, bioabsorbable suture anchors are a viable option for the repair of soft tissue to bone.     

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.     

Operative stabilization of posterior shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic, traumatic posterior shoulder instability is often the result of a posteriorly directed blow to an adducted, internally rotated, and forward-flexed upper extremity. Operative repair has been shown to provide favorable results. Current arthroscopic techniques with suture anchors and the ability to plicate the capsule using a nonabsorbable suture may provide favorable outcomes with reduced morbidity. PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of operative shoulder stabilization in patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients who underwent arthroscopic or open posterior stabilization for traumatic posterior shoulder instability were evaluated using subjective assessments, physical examinations, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Rowe score, Simple Shoulder Test, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index.Results: Between May 1996 and February 2002, 31 shoulders (30 patients) underwent posterior stabilization (19 arthroscopically, 12 open). There were 29 men and 1 woman (mean age, 23 years). Preoperatively, all patients had a distinct traumatic cause for the instability. On physical examination, all patients had posterior apprehension and increased (2+, 3+) posterior load-shift testing. Preoperative radiographs and/or magnetic resonance imaging revealed posterior rim calcification or reverse Bankart lesions in 29 cases (94%). At arthroscopy, posterior labral injuries, reverse Bankart lesions, or humeral head defects were identified. Follow-up averaged 40 months, and the mean duration between injury and surgery was 21 months. The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Rowe score, Simple Shoulder Test, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index scores, respectively, for the entire group were 89, 87, 11, and 346; for the open group, they were 81, 80, 10.5, and 594; for the arthroscopic group, they were 92, 92, 11.4, and 190. The Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (P < .03) and Rowe score (P < .04) outcomes scores for the arthroscopic group were statistically better than those of the open group. Twenty-nine of 31 shoulders were rated as excellent or good. CONCLUSION: In the case of traumatic posterior shoulder subluxation, posterior lesions of the labrum ("reverse Bankart"), articular edge, and capsule are observed. Surgical treatment addressing these lesions led to satisfactory results for both the open and arthroscopic treated groups. In this study, an arthroscopic technique utilizing suture anchor repair with capsular placation provided the most favorable outcomes.     

Quantitative assessment of glenohumeral translation after anterior shoulder dislocation and subsequent arthroscopic bankart repair

BACKGROUND: During the past decade, developments in arthroscopic technology have made arthroscopic repair of labral lesions feasible. However, results with the use of the transglenoid suture technique, or with the use of bioabsorbable tacks, have remained variable in the literature, and the recurrence rates are still inferior to those of open Bankart repair. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors can re-create translational and rotational range of motion of the intact glenohumeral joint, and the number of preoperative dislocations has an influence on the result. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. MATERIALS: Twelve cadaveric shoulders were tested in a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. Anterior and posterior translation and external rotation were measured for intact, dislocated (shoulders were randomly selected to 1 of 3 groups, which were dislocated 1, 3, or 7 times), and repaired conditions at 0 degrees and 90 degrees of glenohumeral elevation. RESULTS: After shoulder dislocation, a significant increase was found in translation and rotation, confirming the creation of a traumatic shoulder instability model. Further testing of the specimen revealed that translational and rotational ranges of motion were reduced by arthroscopic Bankart repair at both testing positions. External rotation was decreased significantly at 0 degrees and 90 degrees of abduction. No significant differences were found between the 3 dislocation groups. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate a sufficient biomechanical performance of arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors in a traumatic anterior shoulder instability model. With the numbers available, no relationship was found between the number of dislocations and the postoperative result concerning translational or rotational motion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Glenohumeral translation and rotation after arthroscopic Bankart repair with use of suture anchors approached near normal values, confirming the clinical success of this technique.     

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.     

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.     

创伤性复发性肩关节前脱位的关节镜检查和手术治疗

目的 利用关节镜观察创伤性复发性肩关节前脱位的病理类型和病变程度,为手术方法的选择提供依据,探讨改良Bristow术式和镜下Bankart重建术的临床疗效. 方法 回顾性研究1997年7月～2007年10月,创伤性复发性肩关节前脱位患者62例,其中男44例,女18例;年龄21～67岁.平均39.8岁.术前脱位痫程平均87个月.手术中先行肩关节镜检查,根据镜下观察关节脱位的病理类型、病变程度如:有无肩盂、肱骨头骨性缺损、Bankart 损伤程度和关节囊盂肱切带松弛等病变分别行政良Bristow手术或关节镜下缝合锚Bankart 重建术.疗效评估用加州大学洛杉矶分校(UCLA)功能评分. 结果 行改良Bristow手术45例,关节镜下缝合锚Bankaa重建术17例.,术后平均随访64.2个月,术前与术后平均UCLA评分分别为22.6±4.4和29.8±4.2(P＜0.01),肩关节前屈上举分别为(136.8±14.2).和(156.6±17.8).(P＜0.01),外展90°位外旋(52,5±16.4)°和(72.4±11.3)°(P＜0.01).终末随访时所有患者均未发生术后再次脱位,术后恐惧试验阳性6例(9.6%),其中60例(97%)患并恢复术前工作.所有患者被问及若健侧肩关节出现相同疾病时.都愿意接受相同手术治疗. 结论 利用关节镜观察创伤性复发性肩关节前脱位的病理改变及病因,为选择适当的手术方法提供参考.清晰处理肩关节不稳定病变原因、重建肩关节解削结构,恢复关节的稳定性,掌握好不同手术方法的指征,无论是改良Bristow手术方法还是镜下缝合锚Bankart 重建术都应是治疗复发性肩关节前脱位的有效方法.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

The surgical outcome of immediate arthroscopic Bankart repair for first time anterior shoulder dislocation in young active patients

This study evaluated the surgical outcomes of young active patients with arthroscopic Bankart repair within 1 month after first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. From July 2002–October 2004, patients presented with first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation and treated with arthroscopic stabilization within 1 month of injury were retrospectively reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were performed before the operation in all cases. Cases with contralateral shoulder multidirectional instability or glenoid bone loss of more than 30% on preoperative computed tomography on the injury side were excluded. All patients were treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair, using metallic suture anchors or soft tissue bio-absorbable anchors by a same group of surgeons and followed the same rehabilitation protocol. Recurrence, instability signs, range of motion, WOSI score, Rowe score and complications were assessed. Thirty-eight patients were recruited: the average age was 21 (16–30). All patients had definite trauma history. Radiologically, all patients had Bankart/Hill-Sachs lesion. All the operations were done within 1 month after injury (6–25 days). The average hospital stay was 1.2 days (1–5 days). The average follow-up was 28 months (24–48 months). There were two cases of posttraumatic re-dislocation (5.2%). The average external rotation lag was 5° (0–15) in 90° shoulder abduction when compared with contralateral side. 95% of patients had excellent or good Rowe score. The average WOSI score was 83%. There was one case of transient ulnar nerve palsy and one case of superficial wound infection. This study concluded that immediate arthroscopic Bankart repair with an accelerated rehabilitation program is an effective and safe technique for treating young active patients with first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. This study complies with the current laws of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region Government.     

A meta-analysis of open versus arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors

Purpose of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis comparing the results of open and arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors in recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Using Medline Pubmed, Cochrane and Embase databases we performed a search of all published articles. We included only studies that compared open and arthroscopic repair using suture anchors. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 501, 234 suture anchors and 267 open. The rate of recurrent instability in the arthroscopic group was 6% versus 6.7% in the open group; rate of reoperation was 4.7% in the arthroscopic group vs. 6.6% in open (difference not statistically significant). The difference was statistically significant only in the studies after 2002 (2.9% of recurrence in the arthroscopic group vs. 9.2% in open; 2.2% of reoperation in the arthroscopic group vs. 9.2% in open). Results regarding function couldn’t be combined because of non-homogeneous scores reported in the original articles, but the arthroscopic treatment led to better functional results. Arthroscopic repair using suture anchors results in similar redislocation and reoperation rate compared to open Bankart repair; however, we need larger and more homogeneous prospective studies to confirm these findings.     

No difference between knotless sutures and suture anchors in arthroscopic repair of Bankart lesions in collision athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of knotless and knot-tying suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair of collision athletes. Thirty-eight athletes underwent arthroscopic Bankart repairs. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 23 years. Bio-Knot-tying anchors were used in 18 patients, and Bio-Knotless suture anchors were used in 20 patients. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were performed by Rowe scores. At the end of 40 months follow-up, both the knot-tying and the knotless suture anchor groups had similar postoperative results. There were no differences between Knot-Tying and Knotless repair about late disengagement and re-dislocation in this patient group. Knotless repair provided secure and low-profile repair without introducing complexities to the procedure of arthroscopic knot tying one.     

Anterior shoulder stabilization using the bankart procedure

The primary pathological lesion in traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation and subluxation is avulsion of the anterior shoulder capsule and ligaments from the glenoid rim (Bankart lesion). The Bankart procedure is a method of repairing this lesion: a direct suturing of the avulsed capsule to the bone. A deltopectoral approach is used, and the conjoined tendon is retracted medially. A T-shaped incision is made in the subscapularis tendon and muscles, and a T-shaped capsular incision gives exposure to the anterior glenoid rim and Bankart lesion. The avulsed capsule is repaired to bone with sutures passed through the glenoid rim or with suture anchors.     

Recurrent post-traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation – open versus arthroscopic repair

A total of 41 consecutive patients (11 women and 30 men, median age 29 (18–51) years) with unilateral, isolated, posttraumatic, recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and a Bankart lesion were operatively repaired, either by an arthroscopic technique including a capsular plication, or by an open procedure with Mitec anchors. All the patients were followed prospectively and evaluated after a median of 36 (30–52) months follow-up by a “blind” observer. Nineteen patients in each group had excellent or good results, and one in each group was graded as fair. One patient in the arthroscopic group had a traumatic dislocation 5 months after the operation and was graded as poor. Three patients experienced subluxations postoperatively, one in the arthroscopic and two in the open group. There was no significant difference in anterior-posterior shoulder laxity measured objectively with Donjoy. The open Bankart repair group had a statistically significantly longer hospitalization (P = 0.001), a slight decrease in external range of motion, and more frequent cosmetic complaints. Apart from this, the results revealed no major differences between the two methods after a median of 36 months in this selected group of patients with longstanding problems. Received: 27 April 1998 Accepted: 1 October 1998     

Sports activity after arthroscopic superior labral repair using suture anchors in overhead-throwing athletes

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic repair of type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions of the shoulder in overhead athletes. HYPOTHESIS: Such repair is useful for overhead athletes in terms of postoperative sports activity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The study group was composed of 40 patients with a mean age of 24 years (range, 15-38 years); mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 24-58 months). They were divided into an overuse (n=22) and a trauma group (n=18). The authors used 2 suture anchors loaded with a nonabsorbable suture at the 11-o'clock and 1-o'clock positions through the anterosuperior and lateral trans-rotator cuff portal. A modified Rowe score and postoperative athletic activities were evaluated. RESULTS: After arthroscopic repair, mean modified Rowe scores improved from 27.5 to 92.1 points (P<.0001). Rated on this scale, the results were excellent in 30 (75%), good in 6 (15%), and fair in 4 (10%) athletes; there were no poor results. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 36 (90%) of these patients; 30 (75%) experienced a return to the preinjury level. The complete return rate of baseball players in the overuse group was lower than that of other overhead athletes in the trauma group. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic superior labral repair is a safe and reliable procedure in overhead athletes.     

Outcomes of combined arthroscopic rotator cuff and labral repair

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff tears, Bankart lesions, and superior labral anterior posterior lesions commonly occur in isolation, but there is a subgroup of patients who experience combined injuries. Prior studies have excluded such patients as confounding groups. HYPOTHESIS: In patients with combined lesions of the labrum and rotator cuff, arthroscopic repair of both lesions will restore range of motion and stability and provide good clinical results. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical outcomes of a series of patients with combined rotator cuff and labral (Bankart or superior labral anterior posterior) lesions treated arthroscopically. RESULTS: Thirty patients (average age, 47.8 years) with combined rotator cuff and labral lesions were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 2.7 years (range, 24-54 months). Sixteen patients had Bankart lesions and 14 patients had SLAP lesions. Significant improvements in forward flexion (20.5 degrees, P = .005), external rotation (9.0 degrees, P = .008), and internal rotation (2 vertebral levels, P = .016) were observed. The mean L'Insalata and American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores for all patients were 92.9 and 94.3, respectively. Twenty-seven (90%) patients reported satisfaction as good to excellent, and 23 of 30 (77%) returned to their preinjury level of athletics. Two patients suffered recurrent rotator cuff tears. CONCLUSION: In patients with rotator cuff and labral lesions, arthroscopic treatment of both lesions yields good clinical outcomes, restoration of motion, and a high degree of patient satisfaction.     

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.     

Revision of failed arthroscopic bankart repairs

BACKGROUND: The results following open revision surgery following a failed arthroscopic Bankart procedure are not well documented. PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of patients with a failed arthroscopic Bankart repair treated with a traditional, open Bankart repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty patients (28 male and 2 female) who had a mean age of 24 years (range 15-36) at the time of operation were evaluated. The mean interval from the time of the operation to the final follow-up was 46 months (range 24-55). The rating systems of Rowe and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) were recorded preoperatively and at the time of the final evaluation. RESULTS: After open repair, mean modified Rowe scores improved from 25 preoperatively to 84.2 points. The results were excellent in 2 (6.7%), good in 24 (80%), and fair in 4 (13.3%); there were no poor results. The UCLA shoulder score improved from a mean of 17 points preoperatively to 29 points (P = .001 for all comparisons). Twenty-six patients (87%) did not have an anchor placement inferior to the 4-o'clock position for a right shoulder or the 8-o'clock position for the left shoulder after the index arthroscopic repair. There were no rotator interval closures performed at the index arthroscopic Bankart repair, and 10 patients (33%) required an interval closure at the open revision procedure. Twenty-five patients (83%) immobilized the operated arm in a sling for less than 2 weeks following the index arthroscopic repair. CONCLUSION: Patients with failed arthroscopic Bankart repairs can be successfully treated with a revision, open Bankart repair. Inadequate postoperative immobilization, large rotator intervals, and improper anchor placement are possible risk factors that may increase the incidence of failure of an arthroscopic Bankart repair.     

Intra-articular repair of an isolated partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness tear of the subscapularis tendon in the articular surface is common. HYPOTHESIS: Intra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon will provide a successful outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 29 shoulders with an isolated partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon without another rotator cuff lesion were treated with arthroscopic intra-articular repair using suture anchors. Biceps tenodesis was performed in 16 patients. Outcomes were prospectively evaluated at a mean of 27 months (range, 19-41 months) using 3 objective (University of California at Los Angeles, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index, Simple Shoulder Test) and 2 subjective (pain and function visual analog scales) measurements. RESULTS: There were 21 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 54 years (range, 41-65 years). Tear widths were small (<1 cm) in 16 shoulders and large (>1 cm) in 13 shoulders. Twenty-six shoulders had articular cartilage erosion on the adjacent humeral head. Lesions of the biceps tendon were noted in 25 patients (partial tear in 15 shoulders; subluxation in 13 shoulders). Shoulder pain scores improved after surgery (5.0 +/- 2.7 to 0.3 +/- 0.7, P < .05). According to American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index scores, 18 were excellent; 10, good; and 1, fair. Internal rotation strength deficit improved from 32% to 4%. Twenty-six patients returned to more than 90% of previous activity. There were no surgical complications; tear size and biceps tenodesis did not affect outcome (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic intra-articular repair of a partial articular-surface tear of the subscapularis tendon is an effective procedure that spares the intact tendon attachment in the bursal surface. Short-term outcomes were reliable by both objective and subjective measurements.