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.     

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.     

Treatment of multidirectionalshoulder instability in the athlete

Multidirectional instability in the athlete refers to symptomatic laxity of the shoulder in more than one direction.This is in contrast to unidirectional instability, which involves subluxation or dislocation in only one direction. The diagnosis and treatment of this disorder can be challenging owing to the unusual demands athletes place on their shoulders to be effective in their sport. The laxity required for overhand throwing, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball and tennis — while increased compared with that required for activities of daily living or with that of the opposite shoulder — must be symptomatic to be pathologic. Formerly, it was thought that generalized ligamentous laxity was a requirement for multidirectional instability, but now it is realized many athletes have multidirectional instability in the setting of otherwise normal ligamentous laxity. Nonoperative treatment is frequently successful in these athletes. When conservative management is unsuccessful, the capsular shift procedure has demonstrated good results in allowing these athletes to return to their sport. Arthroscopic and thermal capsulorrhaphy also offer other options for surgical treatment of this problem and will be briefly discussed.     

Return to sport after a Bankart operation of the shoulder using the Mitek® anchor system

Sixteen athletes suffering anteior instability of the shoulder after primary or recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation were followed for a mean of 23.9 months after an open Bankart operation using Mitek® anchors. Nine patients resumed sports an average of 4.4 months postoperatively, while the remaining seven patients did not return to sports at all. By comparing the group of athletes who had resumed sports and the group who had not, we found in the former group a lower mean age, a higher number of athletes who had inflicted their first anterior dislocation during sports and a larger number of people injured on the dominant arm. However, none of the above-mentioned differences were statistically significant, and there were no differences in range of motion, degree of disability or stability of the operated shoulders in the two groups: returned vs. not-returned to sports. All the athletes performing sports at elite-level returned to sports, whereas all the recreational athletes did not. Among the reasons for not resuming sport, 71% gave sociopsychological reasons such as anxiety or lack of time. Two athletes (12.5%) had suffered redislocations after 12 and 19 months, respectively. No complications or other problems related to the use of Mitek anchors were observed.     

Prospective evaluation of thermal capsulorrhaphy for shoulder instability: indications and results, two- to five-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Thermal shrinkage of capsular tissue has recently been proposed as a means to address the capsular redundancy associated with shoulder instability. Although this procedure has become very popular, minimal peer-reviewed literature is available to justify its widespread use. PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic electrothermal capsulorrhaphy for the treatment of shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: This nonrandomized prospective study evaluated the indications and results of thermal capsulorrhaphy in 84 shoulders with an average follow-up of 38 months. METHODS: Patients were divided into three clinical subgroups: traumatic anterior dislocation (acute or recurrent), recurrent anterior anterior/inferior subluxation without prior dislocation, and multidirectional instability. Patients underwent arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy after initial assessment, radiographs, and failure of a minimum of 3 months of nonoperative rehabilitation. RESULTS: Outcome measures included pain, recurrent instability, return to work/sports, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Assessment score. Overall results were excellent in 33 participants (39%), satisfactory in 20 (24%), and unsatisfactory in 31 (37%). CONCLUSIONS: The high rate of unsatisfactory overall results (37%), documented with longer follow-up, is of great concern. The authors conclude that enthusiasm for thermal capsulorrhaphy should be tempered until further studies document its efficacy.     

Medially based anterior capsular shift of the glenohumeral joint. Passive range of motion and posterior capsular strain

The effect of a medially based anterior capsular shift on translational and rotational range of motion and posterior capsular strain was investigated in an in vitro model. Six cadaveric shoulders were tested in a robot-assisted shoulder simulator. Translational and rotational range of motion were reduced by the capsular shift, particularly with the shoulder at higher elevation angles. At 60 degrees of elevation, anterior translation was decreased 1.9 +/- 2.9 mm, and posterior translation was decreased 2.3 +/- 6.2 mm. External rotation was decreased 11.5 degrees +/- 10.2 degrees, and internal rotation was decreased 8.9 degrees + 5.7 degrees. Posterior capsular strain change was dependent on elevation angle. At 30 degrees of elevation, strain tended to increase 5.0% +/- 7.3% in the inferior aspect and 2.9% +/- 2.6% in the superior aspect, with no change detected in the medial aspect. At 60 degrees of elevation, strain increased 6.6% +/- 8.0%, 3.2% +/- 2.6%, and 4.4% +/- 3.5% in the inferior, middle, and superior aspects, respectively. Our results support the use of the medially based anterior shift for shoulders with anterior-inferior instability or multidirectional instability with posterior involvement.     

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder: rotator interval dimension and capsular laxity evaluation using MR arthrography

Objectives

To compare the rotator interval and capsular dimension as measured on MR arthrography between patients with clinically diagnosed multidirectional instability (MDI) and control subjects with no instability.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 658 shoulders that had undergone MR arthrography between 2006 and 2010. Of these, 97 shoulders were included in the present study. These shoulders were divided into two groups according to the clinically established diagnoses. The MDI group comprised 47 shoulders with atraumatic multidirectional shoulder instability, and the control group comprised 50 shoulders with no instability. Two independent observers measured the width and depth of the rotator interval, and the capsular dimensions at the anterior, anteroinferior, inferior, posteroinferior, and posterior regions in the two groups using MR arthrography.

Results

The rotator interval width and depth were significantly greater in the MDI group (width, observer 1, 17.7 mm, observer 2, 17.9 mm; depth, observer 1, 8.9 mm, observer 2, 8.8 mm) than in the control group (width, observer 1, 14.3 mm, observer 2, 14.5 mm; depth, observer 1, 5.9 mm, observer 2, 6.2 mm) (p?<?.001). The capsular dimensions at the inferior and posteroinferior regions were significantly larger in the MDI group (inferior, observer 1, 27.9 mm, observer 2, 27.8 mm; posteroinferior, observer 1, 27.0 mm, observer 2, 27.1 mm) than in the control group (inferior, observer 1, 25.7 mm, observer 2, 25.3 mm; posteroinferior, observer 1, 23.3 mm, observer 2, 23.6 mm) (p?<?.05). A width greater than 15.2 mm or a depth greater than 6.4 mm of the rotator interval, suggesting MDI, had sensitivities of 81 and 92 % for observer 1, and 79 and 94 % for observer 2, and specificities of 66 and 72 % for observer 1, and 62 and 66 % for observer 2, respectively.

Conclusions

Measurements of the rotator interval and the size of the distended inferior and posteroinferior joint capsule on MR arthrography are greater in shoulders with clinical MDI than in stable shoulders.     

A modified capsular shift for atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of a modified inferior capsular shift procedure in patients with atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability by analyzing a consecutive series of patients who had undergone a modified inferior capsular shift for this specific type of shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 1992 and 1997, 38 shoulders of 35 patients with atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability that were unresponsive to nonoperative management were operated on using a modified capsular shift procedure with longitudinal incision of the capsule medially and a bony fixation of the inferior flap to the glenoid and labrum in the 1 o'clock to 3 o'clock position. The patient study group consisted of 9 men and 26 women with a mean age of 25.4 years (range, 15-55 years) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 7.4 years (range, 4.0-11.4 years); 1 patient was lost to follow-up directly after surgery. The study group was evaluated according to the Rowe score. RESULTS: After 7.4 years, 2 patients experienced a single redislocation or resubluxation, 1 patient had recurrent dislocations, and 1 patient had a positive apprehension sign, which is an overall redislocation rate of 10.5%. The average Rowe score increased to 90.6 (SD = 19.7) points from 36.2 (SD = 13.5) points before surgery. Seventy-two percent of the patients participating in sports returned to their preoperative level of competition. CONCLUSIONS: Results in this series demonstrate the efficacy and durability of a modified capsular shift procedure for the treatment of atraumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability.     

Anterior shoulder stabilization in collision athletes: arthroscopic versus open Bankart repair

BACKGROUND: Collision athletes are reported to be at high risk for redislocation after anterior stabilization of shoulder instability. Some authors have suggested that arthroscopic stabilization produces results similar to those of open stabilization. PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of anterior shoulder stabilization in collision athletes and to compare the clinical results between the arthroscopic and open methods. HYPOTHESIS: Open stabilization might produce better results than does arthroscopic stabilization in collision athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Forty-eight shoulders of 46 collision athletes were enrolled for this study. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 20 years, and the mean follow-up period was 72 months (range, 30-136 months). Sixteen shoulders underwent arthroscopic stabilization; 32 shoulders had open repairs. RESULTS: Visual analog scale, Rowe, and Constant scores improved after surgery, but no statistically significant difference was found between the arthroscopic and open repair groups. Thirty-seven athletes (83%) returned to near-preinjury sports activity levels (>/= 90% recovery) after operation. Two patients (4%) had subluxation and 6 (12.5%) had redislocation after surgery. The number of shoulders with postoperative subluxation or dislocation was 4 (25%) in the arthroscopic group and 4 (12.5%) in the open group (P = .041). Revision surgery was performed on 5 shoulders (10.4%). CONCLUSIONS: There were 8 (16.5%) instances of postoperative instability among the collision athletes studied. The arthroscopic group yielded a higher failure rate than did the open group. The authors believe open stabilization to be a more reliable method for anterior shoulder instability in collision athletes.     

Nonoperative management for in-season athletes with anterior shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: Acute or recurrent anterior shoulder instability is a frequent injury for in-season athletes. Treatment options for this injury include shoulder immobilization, rehabilitation, and shoulder stabilization surgery. PURPOSE: To determine if in-season athletes can be returned to their sports quickly and effectively after nonoperative treatment for an anterior instability episode. METHODS: Over a 2-year period, 30 athletes matched the inclusion criteria for this study. Nineteen athletes had experienced anterior dislocations, and 11 had experienced subluxations. All were treated with physical therapy and fitted, if appropriate, with a brace. These athletes were followed for the number of recurrent instability episodes, additional injuries, subjective ability to compete, and ability to complete their season or seasons of choice. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 30 athletes were able to return to their sports for the complete season at an average time missed of 10.2 days (range, 0-30 years). Ten athletes suffered sport-related recurrent instability episodes (range, 0-8 years). An average of 1.4 recurrent instability episodes per season per athlete occurred. There were no further injuries attributable to the shoulder instability. Sixteen athletes underwent surgical stabilization for their shoulders during the subsequent off-season. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the athletes were able to return to their sport and complete their seasons after an episode of anterior shoulder instability, although 37% experienced at least 1 additional episode of instability during the season.     

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.     

Acute repair of the anterior cruciate ligament with lateral capsular augmentation

Forty-seven patients had primary repair and extraarticular augmentation with a lateral loop of the iliotibial tract for acute rupture of the ACL. (All of these patients had anterolateral rotatory instability (ALRI) preoperatively as diagnosed by a positive jerk test.) Of these 47 patients, 36 were available for follow-up evaluation. Followup ranged from 6 to 68 months (average, 21.6 months). Twenty-three of the patients (64%) were rated as excellent or good. Ten of the patients (27.8%) were rated as fair, and three patients (8%) were rated as poor. Thirty-three of the 36 patients (91%) were objectively free of ALRI as tested by the jerk test and had 1+ or less result in a Lachman test, with a firm end point. Only one patient felt his knee to be unstable (he had a positive pivot jerk). More than 90% of the patients returned to sport, and 72% returned at their preinjury level.     

Arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty for posteroinferior multidirectional instability of the shoulder

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic treatment of posteroinferior multidirectional instability of the shoulder is not well documented. PURPOSE: To evaluate pathologic lesions of posteroinferior multidirectional instability and the results of arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized clinical trial. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with posteroinferior multidirectional instability were prospectively evaluated after arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty (mean follow-up, 51 months). Labral lesion and height were measured in the MRI arthrogram and arthroscopic examination. RESULTS: All patients had a labral lesion and variable capsular stretching in the posteroinferior aspect. There were 11 type I labral lesions (incomplete detachment), 12 type II (the Kim's lesion: incomplete and concealed avulsion), 6 type III (chondrolabral erosion), and 2 type IV (flap tear). All patients with type II and III lesions had chondrolabral retroversion, with lost labral height in the MRI arthrogram and arthroscopic examination. Twenty-one patients had an excellent Rowe score, nine had good scores, and one had a fair score. Thirty patients had stable shoulders, and one had recurrent instability. All patients had improved shoulder scores and function and pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic patients with posteroinferior multidirectional instability had posteroinferior labral lesions, including retroversion of the posteroinferior labrum, which were previously unrecognized. Restoration of the labral buttress and capsular tension by arthroscopic capsulolabroplasty successfully stabilized shoulders with posteroinferior multidirectional instability.     

Histologic evaluation of the glenohumeral joint capsule after the laser-assisted capsular shift procedure for glenohumeral instability

Glenohumeral joint capsule obtained from 42 patients who had undergone an arthroscopic laser-assisted capsular shift procedure was evaluated histologically. A total of 53 samples from the anterior inferior glenohumeral ligament of the joint capsule were collected before and at various times after the procedure (range, 0 to 38 months). Despite glenohumeral instability, joint capsule of the patients before the procedure showed no significant histologic lesions. Laser treatment significantly altered the histologic properties of the tissue as evidenced by hyalinization of collagen and necrotic cells (time 0). Tissues sampled during the short-term period (3 to 6 months) after the procedure demonstrated fibrous connective tissue with reactive cells and vasculature. Collagen and cell morphology returned to normal in the middle- to long-term period (7 to 38 months) after the procedure, while the number of fibroblasts remained elevated. Joint capsule collected from the shoulders of six patients who experienced stiffness after the procedure showed persistent synovial, cellular, and vascular reaction even after 1 year postoperatively, the cause of which is unclear. This study revealed histologic evidence of robust tissue healing and maturation after thermal treatment by the laser-assisted capsular shift procedure, although mechanical and biochemical characterization of the tissue was not evaluated. Correlation with clinical follow-up must be performed to further clarify the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.     

Multidirectional shoulder instability. Clinical results of inferior capsular shift in an active-duty population.

We reviewed the results of a capsular shift procedure performed on 10 active-duty patients with an average of 28 months follow-up. Improvement in pain, function, and stability occurred postoperatively in nearly all patients. Loss of total elevation and external rotation were minimal and an average of three spinal segments of internal rotation were lost. Only one patient required further surgery for recurrent instability and all patients except two reported over-all improvement. Dominant shoulders made greater improvements in pain, stability, and functional capacity than nondominant shoulders. Patients with generalized ligamentous laxity had less pain and more posterior instability than those without laxity. A history of an acute traumatic event was predictive of greater improvement in pain and stability. A previous instability repair was indicative of the most postoperative instability and least functional improvement.     

The effect of the inferior capsular shift on shoulder intra-articular pressure: a cadaveric study

BACKGROUND: The inferior capsular shift procedure is commonly performed for multidirectional instability of the shoulder with excellent clinical results. HYPOTHESIS: The mechanism of this procedure is to increase shoulder stability by changing the responsiveness of intra-articular pressure to downward loading. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: In 7 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, inferior capsular shift was simulated by imbricating the anterior and posterior capsule using clamps. The position was monitored using an electromagnetic tracking device with the glenohumeral joint capsule intact, imbricated anteriorly, or imbricated anteriorly and posteriorly and with the inferior load of 0, 0.5, or 1.0 kg. Simultaneously, intra-articular pressure was monitored using a pressure transducer. Saline was injected into the glenohumeral joint to measure capsular volume. The capsule was vented, and the position was again measured. RESULTS: Intra-articular pressure was -71 +/- 19, -221 +/- 70, and -366 +/- 73 cm H(2)O with 0, 0.5, and 1.0 kg of load, respectively, with the capsule intact. With anterior imbrication, intra-articular pressure decreased to -79 +/- 10, -274 +/- 103, and -460 +/- 135 cm H(2)O, respectively, and with anterior and posterior imbrication, intra-articular pressure further decreased to -87 +/- 16, -308 +/- 74, and -548 +/- 39 cm H(2)O, respectively. The volume of the intact shoulder (36 +/- 9 mL) significantly decreased to 27 +/- 7 mL (75%) with anterior imbrication and to 15 +/- 5 mL (42%) with anterior and posterior imbrications (P = .0001). Before venting the capsule, inferior displacement was 5% of the vertical length of the glenoid, even with 1.0 kg of load with any capsular conditions. After venting, the humeral head dislocated inferiorly in all shoulders, even after imbrications. CONCLUSION: The inferior capsular shift procedure decreases joint volume and increases responsiveness of intra-articular pressure to downward loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Biomechanical data provide scientific background to the commonly performed procedures of inferior capsular shift and thermal capsular shrinkage.     

Atraumatic shoulder instability Discussion of classification and results after capsular imbrication

This study consists of 27 shoulders in 24 patients whose atraumatic shoulder instability was treated with the imbrication procedure described by Rockwood. Follow-up after 2 years or more showed the following results: 37% excellent, 30% good, 15% fair and 18% poor (Rowe score). No statistically significant differences in the results were observed between the dominant and non-dominant arm, nor in post-operative return to sports activities. Those with voluntary instability had more laxity at follow-up and tended to have poorer results. Those with unidirectional laxity had only good or excellent results and showed no post-operative laxity. We found no other reliable indication of the results of surgery. The difficulties of classifying shoulder instability by such factors as trauma, laxity and direction of instability are discussed. Overall, we consider capsular imbrication to be a good treatment for involuntary atraumatic shoulder instability.     

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 capsulolabral reconstruction for posterior instability of the shoulder: a prospective study of 100 shoulders

BACKGROUND: There are few reports in the literature detailing arthroscopic treatment of unidirectional posterior shoulder instability. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is effective in restoring stability and function and alleviating pain in athletes with symptomatic unidirectional posterior instability. This population has significant differences in glenoid and chondrolabral versions when compared with controls. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Ninety-one athletes (100 shoulders) with unidirectional recurrent posterior shoulder instability were treated with an arthroscopic posterior capsulolabral reconstruction and evaluated at a mean of 27 months postoperatively. A subset of 51 shoulders in contact athletes were compared with the entire group of 100 shoulders. Patients were evaluated prospectively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring system. Stability, strength, and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively with standardized subjective scales. Forty-eight shoulders had magnetic resonance arthrograms performed and were available for review. The posterior inferior chondrolabral and bony glenoid versions were measured and compared with controls. RESULTS: At a mean of 27 months postoperatively, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 50.36 to 85.66 (P < .001). There were significant improvements in stability, pain, and function based on standardized subjective scales (P < .001). The contact athletes did not demonstrate any significant differences when compared with the entire cohort for any outcome measure. The results in the 71 shoulders followed for at least 2 years were similar to the overall group. On magnetic resonance arthrography, the shoulders with posterior instability were found to have significantly greater chondrolabral and osseous retroversion in comparison with controls (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is an effective, reliable treatment for symptomatic unidirectional recurrent posterior glenohumeral instability in an athletic population. Overall, 89% of patients were able to return to sport, with 67% of patients able to return to the same level postoperatively.     

Anteromedial capsular redundancy and labral deficiency in shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: Redundancy of the anteromedial capsule of the shoulder may persist despite proper tensioning of the capsule and repair of a Bankart lesion during an anteroinferior capsular shift procedure. HYPOTHESIS: A barrel-stitch suture technique incorporated into a capsular shift procedure is effective in achieving satisfactory shoulder stability. STUDY DESIGN: Uncontrolled retrospective review. METHODS: A barrel-stitch technique was used for patients identified as having anteromedial capsular redundancy during a capsular shift procedure for anteroinferior instability. RESULTS: The incidence of anteromedial capsular redundancy and labral deficiency was 49% (38 of 78). Patients with anteromedial capsular redundancy had a significantly greater number of dislocations before surgery (16.1 +/- 21.3 versus 7.4 +/- 7.4) and a greater duration of symptoms (79.8 +/- 84.2 versus 31.6 +/- 32.2 months). The mean postoperative Rowe score of patients with anteromedial capsular redundancy was 88.7 +/- 14.8, with 92% having excellent or good results, compared with 88.9 +/- 14.8 in the remaining patients and 93% excellent or good results. CONCLUSIONS: Anteromedial capsular redundancy is associated with longer preoperative duration of symptoms and more dislocations, but effective treatment can be achieved with a capsular shift procedure augmented with medial capsular imbrication with a barrel stitch.