Which labral lesion can be best reduced with external rotation of the shoulder after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation?

Introduction  Immobilization in external rotation after a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation has been shown to improve the position of the labroligamentous lesion relative to the glenoid rim. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the external rotation position of the shoulder on different types of labroligamentous lesions in patients with first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation by using MRI. Patients and methods  We performed a standardized MRI in internal and external rotation of the shoulder after initial reduction in 34 patients with a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Labroligamentous lesions were classified as Bankart, Perthes, or nonclassifiable. Four distinct grades were used to classify the amount of plastic deformation of the anterior labroligamentous structures. The position of the labrum was defined relative to the tip of the glenoid rim by measuring the dislocation and separation. Results  In all patients, dislocation and separation of the labrum relative to the rim of the glenoid were significantly improved in shoulders in the external rotation position compared to those in the internal rotation position. We observed 15 Bankart, 15 Perthes, and 4 non-classifiable lesions. No HAGL or GLAD lesions were found. Fourteen patients showed a plastic deformation grade I, 16 showed grade II, 3 showed grade III, and 1 showed grade IV. In regression analysis, the odds ratio was 1.100 for the type of lesion and 1.660 for the grade of plastic deformation. Perthes lesions (with an intact anterior scapular periosteum) and grade I plastic deformations showed the best labral reduction on the external rotation MRI. Conclusion  Placing the shoulder in external rotation after a first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation, significantly improves the position of the labroligamentous lesion on the glenoid rim. Perthes lesions that showed a low grade of plastic deformation displayed better reduction in external rotation and then compared to Bankart or other lesions that showed a high grade of plastic deformation. In conclusion, immobilization of the shoulder after a first-time traumatic shoulder dislocation is most effective in patients with Perthes lesions that show low grade plastic deformation.     

Arthroscopic observation of capsulolabral reduction after shoulder dislocation

The standard treatment for most first-time anterior shoulder dislocations is reduction and immobilization. This places the arm in a position of adduction and internal rotation. We question whether this position assists or hinders reduction of a displaced capsulolabral injury (Bankart lesion). This study examined the pathology present after traumatic first-time anterior shoulder dislocations and looked at the reduction of the Bankart lesion in internal and external rotation. A series of 25 patients with Bankart lesions were identified who underwent arthroscopy at a mean of 10.5 days after first-time anterior shoulder dislocations. We found that there is wide variation in pathology after anterior dislocation. In 23 of 25 patients in whom the capsulolabral complex was detached (Bankart lesion), we found that external rotation of the arm improved the reduction of the labrum (92%). We conclude that in patients with a displaced Bankart lesion, the standard treatment of immobilization in internal rotation may hinder anatomic healing of this injury.     

Treatment strategies for first time traumatic anterior traumatic dislocation of the shoulder. Plea for a multi-stop concept of preventive initial management

Summary The purpose of this paper is to outline the treatment protocol for the first time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocator, with options including conservative, arthroscopic and open surgical treatment. Regarding the subclassification of the first time traumatic anterior dislocater, it is imparitive to differentiate between the unidirectional dislocator with and without hyperlaxity. This subclassification takes into account the structural quality of the stabilizing ligamentous structures of the glenohumeral capsule. The patient with hyperelastic ligaments exhibit elastic deformation of the glenohumeral ligaments at the time of dislocation and thus, sustain less interstitial structural damage to the ligament. Therefore, these patients benefit from non-operative treatment. There are extrinsic and intrinsic factors which determine the outcome of the primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Extrinsic factors are those that are not related to changes in the shoulder morphology. The most important extrinsic factor is the age of the patient at the time of injury. The younger the patient at the time of injury the greater the risk of recurrence. As a rule, those patients 25 years of age or less, at the time of initial injury are less likely to spontaneously stabilize without surgical intervention, than they are to develop recurrence. Secondly, the type and level of sport participation is related to recurrence. Although the severity of the trauma can not be quantified, it certainly has an influence on recurrence. Immobilization remains controversial. A rehabilitation program is more likely to be successful in atraumatic instability. Patient compliance is important regardless of the type of treatment selected. Intrinsic factors include injury to the various anatomic structures about the shoulder, occurring at the time of primary anterior shoulder dislocation. A deep Hill Sachs lesion is more likely to result in recurrence secondary to both the impaction of the bone, as well as, the reduction of the area of articular surface. A displaced bony Bankart is a highly unstable situation secondary to the loss of the butress to retain the humeral head. In contrast to a Hill Sachs lesion or a bony Bankart, a concomittent fracture of the greater tuberosity is unlikely to result in recurrent dislocation. Isolated laberal detachment is not related to recurrence, but a complete disruption of the laberal ligament complex is highly correlated with recurrence. A rare subluxation erecta, as a special form of traumatic inferior instability, has a high recurrence rate. With increasing age there is a higher risk of concomittent rotator cuff tear. In most situations surgical repair of the rotator cuff tear results in resolution of the instability. The essential issue in determining the treatment protocol is to define concomittent hyperlaxity in the injured shoulder. Concomittent hyperlaxity precludes initial surgical treatment. The orthopedic surgeon treating the patient at the time of injury needs to design a concise treatment protocol for the patient based on the assessment of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors. An unreducable shoulder dislocation or associated vascular injury requires emergent intervention. Absolute indications for surgical treatment include: persistent dislocation, bony Bankart, a grossly displaced greater tuberosity fracture, and rupture of the subscapularis tendon. Surgical stabilization of primary anterior traumatic dislocation is indicated if the following strict criteria are met: adequate trauma, no self reduction, unidirectional instability without hyperlaxity, Hill Sachs lesion, age below 26 years, high level of sport activity and the special situation of luxatio erecta. Post primary stabilization is indicated for persistent subluxation, subjective instability or demonstrated pathologic instability tests. Rotator cuff tears due to traumatic dislocation in the elderly population require surgical repair.      

Anterior shoulder dislocation in adolescents

Of 780 patients treated for primary anterior shoulder dislocations, 33 (4.2%) were aged 12 to 17 years at the time of the dislocation. We clinically evaluated 28 of these patients a mean of 7.1 years after the initial dislocation. All patients were radiographed, and 15 underwent magnetic resonance imaging or computed arthrotomography of the shoulder. The primary dislocation had been traumatic in 21 patients (75%) and atraumatic in 7 patients (25%). Recurrent dislocations had occurred in 24 cases (86%), the number of recurrences ranging from 1 to 30. In the group with traumatic primary dislocations, the rate of recurrences was 92% and the mean number of redislocations was 7 in the patients who had been 14 to 17 years of age at the time of the initial injury, whereas the corresponding figures were 33% and 0.3 in the patients who had been 13 years of age or less at the time of the initial injury. Imaging studies showed a Bankart lesion in 80% of cases; each of these patients had had a traumatic primary dislocation and was 14 to 17 years old at the time of injury. During the follow-up period, operative stabilizing procedures had been performed in 7 cases. At follow-up evaluations, all nonoperated patients showed clinical evidence of anterior or multidirectional instability of the involved shoulder; of the operated patients, each of those with traumatic primary dislocations reported no recurrences and had a satisfactory result, whereas both of the patients with atraumatic primary dislocations continued to have subluxation and/or dislocations of the operated shoulder. In the 14- to 17-year-old adolescents with traumatic primary dislocations in whom imaging studies show Bankart lesions, there is an indication for prophylactic stabilizing surgery at the time of the initial injury.     

Editorial Commentary: Shoulder Remplissage Is a Beneficial Addition to Bankart or Glenoid Bone Loss Treatment: Stay on Track and Use Wisely

In patients with on-track shoulder Hill–Sachs lesions, the addition of remplissage using a double-pulley technique to Bankart repair improves outcomes including residual apprehension and without loss of external rotation. A caveat is that measurement of both the Hill–Sachs lesion and glenoid bone loss may be inconsistent. A second caveat is that determination of the glenoid track can be affected by scapular positioning. Not all “on-track” lesions are alike. In terms of outcome assessment, apprehension has up to 95% specificity for anterior shoulder instability and is a key finding in determining the results of shoulder stabilization. Recurrent instability may not be as sensitive of an outcome measure, because patients will avoid positions of apprehension. Finally, remplissage should be used cautiously in peripheral track lesions. For smaller Hill–Sachs lesions, remplissage can provide extraordinary success, and for larger lesions that are close to engaging, glenoid bone loss must also be treated, especially in a younger, active patient.     

Prevalence of associated injuries after anterior shoulder dislocation: a prospective study

Purpose

Anterior shoulder dislocation can be associated with many lesions such as Bankart lesions, rotator cuff tears (RCT), Hill-Sachs lesions or greater tuberosity fractures. It has been documented that early management of the associated injury affords better recovery of shoulder function. The aim of this study was to highlight the incidence of associated injuries after anterior shoulder dislocation.

Methods

A total of 240 patients with traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocations were subjected to complete history taking, neurovascular assessment and pre-reduction plain X-ray. An X-ray was taken immediately after reduction. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were done within one week after reduction in all patients. Nerve conduction studies were ordered for any patient with suspected nerve injury.

Results

Associated lesions were reported in 144 (60 %) patients. RCT was the most common injury (67 cases). It was isolated in 34 patients (14.15 %), while it was combined with other lesions in 33 cases (13.75 %). Axillary nerve injury was encountered in 38 patients, of them 8 (3.33 %) were isolated and 30 (12.5 %) were combined. Greater tuberosity fracture was found in 37 patients, of them 15 (6.25 %) were combined with axillary nerve injury, and in the other 22 patients (9.17 %) the fracture was isolated. All cases with Hill-Sachs and Bankart lesion were combined lesions with no isolated cases. There was a significant relation between the incidence of associated injuries and age, mechanism of injury and the affected side.

Conclusions

Lesions associated with traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocations are more frequent than expected. Thorough clinical examination and detailed imaging including US and MRI are mandatory to avoid a missed diagnosis.

     

Die Therapie der traumatischen vorderen Schulterluxation: Aktueller Stand der Therapie in Deutschland Gibt es wissenschaftlich gesicherte Therapiekonzepte?

There are no generally accepted concepts for the treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. The objective of this study was to ascertain the current treatment for traumatic shoulder dislocations in German hospitals and to compare this with the data reported in the literature. A total of 210 orthopedic surgery departments were asked for their treatment strategy in an anonymous country-wide survey; 103 questionnaires (49%) were returned for evaluation. Additional imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) beyond the routine X-rays is performed in 82% of clinics for primary shoulder dislocation (94% in recurrent dislocation). A young, athletic patient (< 30 years old) would be operated on for a primary traumatic shoulder dislocation in 73% of hospitals (98% in recurrent dislocation). In contrast, a patient of the same age, with a moderate level of sporting activity would be treated conservatively in 67% of cases (14% in recurrent dislocation). Similarly, for an active, middle-aged patient with a demanding job, 74% of responses favored conservative treatment after a primary dislocation and 6% after a recurrent dislocation. Older patients (> 65 years old) are usually treated conservatively after a primary or recurrent shoulder dislocation (99%, 69%). For a primary shoulder dislocation the most popular surgical reconstruction is a Bankart repair (75%). For recurrent shoulder dislocation several different operative techniques are seen (Bankart 29%, T-shift 26%, Putti-Platt 8%, Eden-Lange-Hybbinette 22%, Weber osteotomy 13%). Based on our literature review, we found: (1) The clinical examination of both shoulders is important to diagnose hyperlaxity; (2) Routine CT or MRI is not necessary for primary traumatic shoulder dislocations; (3) A young, athletic patient should undergo surgical reconstruction after a primary shoulder dislocation; (4) The operation of choice for primary and recurrent dislocation is the Bankart repair; (5) There is no sufficient evidence that an arthroscopic Bankart repair is as good as an open procedure; (6) There are limited indications for other operative techniques, as they are associated with a higher recurrence and arthrosis rate.     

Arthroscopic bankart suture repair for recurrent traumatic unidirectional anterior shoulder dislocations

We report our experience with arthroscopic repair of the Bankart lesion following traumatic unidirectional anterior shoulder dislocation. Thirty consecutive patients (7 women, 23 men; average age, 26.5 years) were followed for an average of 38 months (minimum 2-year follow-up) after arthroscopic Bankart suture repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation. The study included patients who had pure shoulder dislocations (excluding those with instability secondary to subluxation, multidirectional instability, or an atraumatic origin), had experienced an initial frank shoulder dislocation (documented radiographically or requiring the assistance of medical personnel for reduction), and had a Bankart lesion, visualized arthroscopically. Clinical evaluation using the Rowe functional grading system showed 11 patients rated as excellent, 8 as good, 3 as hair, and 8 as poor. Six of 8 patients were rated as poor because they frankly redislocated following their arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. Our study shows a 27% failure rate in this group. Critical reevaluation of the transglenoid arthroscopic Bankart procedure is mandatory to identify the appropriate patient population for this procedure.     

Arthroscopic findings in the recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder

Background

A recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation consists of a variety of lesion types.

Objectives

To evaluate the pathological classification of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint under arthroscopy.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were inspected by arthroscopy, including 23 males and 8 females, with a mean age of 35.1 (18–46) years. The patients were divided into two groups: 17 with shoulder dislocation and hyper-laxity (the hyper-laxity group) and 14 with only traumatic shoulder dislocation (the trauma group). All the patients were assessed by arthroscopy for pathological changes, and the differences in the pathological changes were compared between the two groups.

Results

All these 31 patients suffered from anteroinferior labrum injury. Twenty-five had Hill–Sachs injury; 27, bone or cartilage injury of anteroinferior glenoid; 16, SLAP injury; and 5, rotator cuff injury. Bankart injury occurred more in the trauma group, and anterior labroligamentous periosteal sleeve avulsion injury and glenolabral articular disruption injury were more in the hyper-laxity group. Bone or cartilage injury of anteroinferior glenoid was more noticed in the trauma group.

Conclusions

Significant differences are found under arthroscopy in the pathological changes of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation between the purely traumatic group and the hyper-laxity group. The pathological changes in the trauma group were more severe than in the hyper-laxity group.     

Traumatic Shoulder Dislocation With Combined Bankart Lesion and Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament in a Professional Basketball Player: Three-Year Follow-up of Surgical Stabilization

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability has been well documented to have associated lesions such as a Bankart tear, humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL), Hill-Sachs lesion, fracture, and nerve injury. To our knowledge, the combined Bankart and HAGL injury in a single acute anterior shoulder dislocation has not yet been reported. We describe a traumatic first-time anterior-inferior shoulder dislocation in a professional basketball player with a combined Bankart and HAGL lesion. The patient underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair followed by open repair of the HAGL lesion with an open capsular shift reconstruction. At 3 years' follow-up, the patient had returned to an elite level of play, with an excellent outcome.     

Computerized assessment of Bankart lesions under tension with magnetic resonance arthrography

Accurate anatomic depiction of Bankart lesions based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for the treatment of posttraumatic recurrent dislocation of the glenohumeral joint. MR arthrography, the intraarticular injection of dilute gadolinium before MR imaging, improves sensitivity in the detection of shoulder pathology. Abduction and external rotation (ABER) of the shoulder places dynamic stress on the inferior capsular pouch and anterior labroligamentous complex, important structures for anterior shoulder stability. This study sought to determine whether MR arthrography, by use of computerized image analysis, can visualize Bankart lesions better with the shoulder in the neutral position or in ABER. We evaluated 12 shoulders after traumatic anterior dislocation. The MR images were analyzed with image-analyzing software. We compared 3 parameters at 5 levels of the glenoid in the neutral position and in ABER: detachment (the length of detachment between the anterior glenoid rim and the anterior periosteal attachment), displacement (the distance between the anterior glenoid rim and the tip of the displaced labrum), and Bankart area (the area bounded by the detachment line, the displacement line, and the anterior aspect of the Bankart lesion). MR images revealed that Bankart lesions were under tension in ABER and lax and redundant with the shoulder in the neutral position. All 3 parameters were greater in ABER than in the neutral position in all cases (P = .012, P = .0006, and P = .012). Computerized image assessment of MR arthrography with the shoulder in ABER provides excellent visualization and evaluation of Bankart lesions.     

Arthroscopic capsular suture for anterior instability of the shoulder.

We assessed the results of arthroscopic transglenoid capsular suture in eight recurrent traumatic unidirectional anterior dislocations. At an average follow up of 11 months, ranging from eight to 18 months, assessment by Rowe's scoring system were excellent or good in all shoulders. There were no redislocations and all patients achieved near full, painless range of motion. There were no complications. We propose a new classification of anterior capsular lesions (Bankart lesion) and we describe the details of the arthroscopic suture technique. We conclude that arthroscopic suture is an effective method with low surgical morbidity and low cost in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder.     

Transfer des Processus coracoideus bei rezidivierender vorderer Instabilität am Schultergelenk

Objective

Full arthroscopic treatment of severe anterior shoulder instability due to glenoid bone loss, Hill–Sachs lesion and irreparable ligament damage.

Indications

Recurrent anterior dislocations or subluxations, previously failed Bankart repairs; patients with anterior glenoid bone loss, Hill–Sachs defect; patients with irreparable damage to soft tissues of labrum, capsule and ligaments; patients with chronic humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligament (HAGL lesion); combinations of lesions above; young contact sport athletes, where Bankart repairs have high failure rates.

Contraindications

Presence of (arthroscopically confirmed) good preconditions for Bankart repair: good quality of labrum, capsule and ligament, labrum still present, no or minimal bone loss of glenoid, no engaging Hill–Sachs. Lack of requirements for complex arthroscopic procedure (e.g., special instruments and skills).

Surgical technique

Diagnostic arthroscopy. Removal of anterosuperior and superior capsule, middle glenohumeral ligament, anterior labrum. Preparation of glenoid neck, debridement. Opening of rotator interval. Preparation of coracoid process and conjoint tendons. Subdeltoid preparation of anterior coracoid with arthroscope moved to anterolateral portal. Tenotomy of pectoralis minor. Arthroscopic split of subscapularis tendon via deep anteromedial portal. Predrilling of 2 holes through coracoid, insertion of 2 special washers into predrilled holes (“top hats”). Arthroscopic osteotomy of coracoid at base. Mounting of coracoid to special coracoid cannula. Manipulation of coracoid/conjoint tendon through subscapularis to glenoid neck, prefixation with wires. Fixation of coracoid after drilling with cannulated special screws.

Postoperative management

Immobilization in a sling on postoperative day 1; pain-controlled active range of motion without limit starting postoperative day 2. Sling during the night for 4 weeks.

Results

Between 2007 and June 2013, 210 operations were performed. No intraoperative conversion to open operative technique. Revision required in 10 patients with postoperative complications. No intraoperative or neurovascular complications.     

Stem torsion in total hip replacement

Background and purpose Immobilization in external rotation (ER) for shoulder dislocation has been reported to improve the coaptation of Bankart lesions to the glenoid. We compared the position of the labrum in patients treated with immobilization in ER or internal rotation (IR). A secondary aim was to evaluate the rate of Bankart lesions.

Patients and methods 55 patients with primary anterior shoulder dislocation, aged between 16 and 40 years, were randomized to immobilization in ER or IR. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed shortly after the injury. After the immobilization, MRI arthrography was performed. We evaluated the rate of Bankart lesions and measured the separation and displacement of the labrum as well as the length of the detached part of the capsule on the glenoid neck.

Results Immobilization in ER reduced the number of Bankart lesions (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1 –13; p = 0.04). Separation decreased to a larger extent in the ER group than in the IR group (mean difference 0.6 mm, 95% CI: 0.1 – 1.1, p = 0.03). Displacement of the labrum and the detached part of the capsule showed no significant differences between the groups.

Interpretation Immobilization in ER results in improved coaptation of the labrum after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation.     

Do Bankart lesions heal better in shoulders immobilized in external rotation?: A randomized single-blind study of 55 patients examined with MRI

Background and purpose Immobilization in external rotation (ER) for shoulder dislocation has been reported to improve the coaptation of Bankart lesions to the glenoid. We compared the position of the labrum in patients treated with immobilization in ER or internal rotation (IR). A secondary aim was to evaluate the rate of Bankart lesions.Patients and methods 55 patients with primary anterior shoulder dislocation, aged between 16 and 40 years, were randomized to immobilization in ER or IR. Computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed shortly after the injury. After the immobilization, MRI arthrography was performed. We evaluated the rate of Bankart lesions and measured the separation and displacement of the labrum as well as the length of the detached part of the capsule on the glenoid neck.Results Immobilization in ER reduced the number of Bankart lesions (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.1 –13; p = 0.04). Separation decreased to a larger extent in the ER group than in the IR group (mean difference 0.6 mm, 95% CI: 0.1 – 1.1, p = 0.03). Displacement of the labrum and the detached part of the capsule showed no significant differences between the groups.Interpretation Immobilization in ER results in improved coaptation of the labrum after primary traumatic shoulder dislocation.     

Arthroscopic Repair of Combined Bankart and SLAP Lesions: Operative Techniques and Clinical Results

Background

To evaluate the clinical results and operation technique of arthroscopic repair of combined Bankart and superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesions, all of which had an anterior-inferior Bankart lesion that continued superiorly to include separation of the biceps anchor in the patients presenting recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Methods

From May 2003 to January 2006, we reviewed 15 cases with combined Bankart and SLAP lesions among 62 patients with recurrent shoulder dislocations who underwent arthroscopic repair. The average age at surgery was 24.2 years (range, 16 to 38 years), with an average follow-up period of 15 months (range, 13 to 28 months). During the operation, we repaired the unstable SLAP lesion first with absorbable suture anchors and then also repaired Bankart lesion from the inferior to superior fashion. We analyzed the preoperative and postoperative results by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) and Rowe shoulder scoring systems. We compared the results with the isolated Bankart lesion.

Results

VAS for pain was decreased from preoperative 4.9 to postoperative 1.9. Mean ASES and Rowe shoulder scores were improved from preoperative 56.4 and 33.7 to postoperative 91.8 and 94.1, respectively. There were no specific complication and no significant limitation of motion more than 10 degree at final follow-up. We found the range of motions after the arthroscopic repair in combined lesions were gained more slowly than in patients with isolated Bankart lesions.

Conclusions

In recurrent dislocation of the shoulder with combined Bankart and SLAP lesion, arthroscopic repair using absorbable suture anchors produced favorable clinical results. Although it has technical difficulty, the concomitant unstable SLAP lesion should be repaired in a manner that stabilizes the glenohumeral joint, as the Bankart lesion can be repaired if the unstable SLAP lesion is repaired first.     

Die arthroskopische Bankart-Operation mit Hilfe von resorbierbaren Nahtankern

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopic refixation of the labrum-ligament complex at the glenoid. INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic anterior or anterior-inferior shoulder instability with Bankart or ALPSA lesion (anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Atraumatic shoulder instability. Instabilities due to blunted or frayed degeneration of the labrum-ligament complex. HAGL lesion (humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligaments) with humeral detachment of the glenohumeral ligaments. Larger bony glenoid defects. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Mobilization of the labrum-ligament complex from the neck of the glenoid, superior tightening and refixation at the glenoid rim with the aid of absorbable suture anchors. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immobilization of the affected arm for 4 weeks in an immobilization bandage with abduction pillows. Daily pendulum exercises. Active flexion up to 70 degrees and abduction up to 40 degrees, all in neutral or internal rotation. Avoidance of external rotation for a total of 6 weeks. RESULTS: From January 1999 to December 2001, 58 patients with a Bankart or ALPSA lesion were treated with arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using absorbable suture anchors and slowly absorbable braided sutures. 56 patients underwent a follow-up clinical examination after, on average, 31 months (24-48 months). None of these patients had suffered more than five shoulder dislocations before the operation (average 2.8). Of the intraoperative lesions, a plain Bankart lesion was present in twelve patients (21.4%), 44 patients had an ALPSA lesion (78.6%), of which one in two were combined with an SLAP 2 or SLAP 3 lesion (superior labrum from anterior to posterior). In the evaluation using the Rowe Score, there was an excellent result for 40 patients (71.4%), and a good result for twelve (21.4%). Four patients suffered a repeat dislocation and were therefore classified as poor results (7.2%).     

Ruhigstellung in Außenrotation bei primärer Schulterluxation

INTRODUCTION: The standard method of treating acute primary dislocation of the glenohumeral joint is immobilization of the arm in adduction and internal rotation with a sling. The recurrence rate for anterior instability after nonoperative treatment in young active patients is extremely high (up to 90%) and well reported. A new method of immobilization with the arm in external rotation improves the position of the displaced labrum on the glenoid rim. With the use of control MRI before and after immobilization in external rotation, a study on this new repositioning of the labrum is evaluated. METHODS: Ten patients (mean age 30.4 years) with primary anterior dislocation of the shoulder and Bankart lesion as shown on MRI but with no hyperlaxity of the contralateral side were immobilized in 10-20 degrees of external rotation for 3 weeks. Scans with MRI were taken in internal and external shoulder rotation post trauma and in internal rotation after 6 weeks. All patients were reevaluated after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Dislocation and separation of the labrum were both significantly less with the arm in external rotation due to the tension of the anterior capsule and the tendon of the subscapularis muscle. In the MRI taken in internal rotation 6 weeks post trauma, all Bankart lesions were fixed in reposition after three weeks of immobilization in external rotation. At 12-month follow-up, the average Constant Score was 96.1 points (range 63-100), and the Rowe Score was 91.5 points (range 25-100). One patient had traumatic redislocation after 8 months. CONCLUSION: After primary shoulder dislocation, immobilizing the arm in 10-20 degrees external rotation provided stable fixation of the Bankart lesion in an anatomic position. First long-term indications from an ongoing prospective study of recurrence rates after immobilization in external rotation are promising.     

New quantitative measurement of the Hill–Sachs lesion: a prognostic factor for clinical results of arthroscopic glenohumeral stabilization

Purpose

A detailed morphometry of the Hill–Sachs lesion and quantification of its volume was studied in 71 patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability with radiographs and computerized arthrotomography.

Methods

The accuracy of the conventional radiographs and Bernageau view to visualize the humeral and the glenoid lesion was also assessed. This study also analysed the depth of the Hill–Sachs lesion (D) and the humeral head radius (R) from conventional radiograph and its location from the computerized arthrotomography. All the findings were analysed and correlated with the outcome of the arthroscopic stabilization procedure.

Results

Sensitivity for demonstrating the Hill–Sachs lesion for the 45° internal rotation anteroposterior radiograph was 84%, whereas sensitivity for demonstrating the glenoid lesion for the comparative Bernageau view was 68%. The mean D/R ratio, the lateralization angle and the volume of the Hill–Sachs lesion were 16.2%, 188° and 1,019?mm3, respectively. The mean Hill–Sachs lesion volume represented 2.28% of the total humeral head volume. The D/R ratio, the lateralization angle and the volume of the Hill–Sachs lesion were significantly high in the recurrent dislocation group, whereas the D/R ratio and the lesion volume were also significantly high in the group that did not perform well following the stabilization procedure. The recurrence rate in this study was 16.6%, majority being from the recurrent dislocation group.

Conclusion

This study confirms the interest as risk factor for a simple and reproducible radiographic quantitative measure of the Hill–Sachs lesion: D/R.

Level of evidence

II.     

Comparison of outcomes of two different surgeries in regarding to complications for chronic anterior shoulder instability

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to compare the early clinical results of two techniques in regarding to complications in the patients who suffered from chronic anterior traumatic isolated shoulder instability. METHOD: Eighty-five patients underwent reconstructive procedures due to chronic isolated traumatic shoulder instability in our clinic between 1990 and 2002. Sixty-four patients in whom preoperatively Bankart lesion were detected with MRI and who participated in the regular follow-up were included in the study. Thirty-four patients were treated with Bankart repair (Group I) and 30 patients were treated with Modified Bristow procedure (Group II). Mean follow-up period was 25 (24-39) months for group I and 28 (24-96) months for group II. All cases were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively according to Rowe scoring system. RESULTS: Mean Rowe scores were 90 and 88.1 for group I and II, respectively. Due to recurrent dislocation, four revision surgeries (one in group I, three in group II) were performed. Surgical complications were encountered in group II, just as fracture at the bone block in four cases, nonunion in five cases and removal of loose screw in one case. DISCUSSION: According to clinical outcomes, both the techniques are useful and feasible for the treatment of the chronic traumatic isolated anterior shoulder instability; however, complication rate is higher in the Modified Bristow technique and, Bankart repair is directed to the anatomic repair of the original pathology.