Long-term clinical and radiologic results after Eden-Hybbinette operation for anterior instability of the shoulder

A retrospective study was done to assess long-term results after surgery with the Eden-Hybbinette technique for unidirectional anterior glenohumeral instability. Between 1962 and 1976, 118 patients (119 shoulders) were treated. Eighty-seven patients answered a questionnaire. Of 119 shoulders, 77 were examined clinically and 74 radiographically a mean of 29 years after surgery. Forty-two were lost to follow-up. For 74% of shoulders, patients were satisfied, and for 26%, patients had some remaining discomfort. The most common reason for discomfort was persistent instability. The recurrence rate was 20%, although only 8 patients required reoperation. The mean time from surgery until redislocation was 15 months (range, 1-60 months). The mean Rowe shoulder score was 84 +/- 15 (range, 45-100), with 48 of 77 shoulders rated as excellent, 16 of 77 as good, 9 of 77 as fair, and 4 of 77 as poor. The Constant-Murley score averaged 85 +/- 14 (range, 20-100). Glenohumeral arthrosis was seen in 35 of 74 shoulders (47%). There was no significant difference between those with arthrosis and those without as far as age at first dislocation, age at surgery, or follow-up. Shoulders with arthrosis had a tendency to have reduced external rotation (P =.056) when compared with shoulders without radiologic changes. This study showed that most patients were satisfied with their shoulders. There was a high rate of radiologic arthrosis, but in most patients it caused limited restriction of movement as the only symptom.