14 years of follow up after first arthroscopic Bankart repair in athletes: functional outcomes and MRI findings.

Abstract

The arthroscopic Bankart procedure is the most performed surgery for shoulder stabilization. Short to midterm results are well studied, however long-term results over 10 years are rare. This study evaluates the long-term results and MRI findings in athletes at a mean follow-up of 14 years after an arthroscopic Bankart stabilization as well as risk factors for osteoarthritis. 63 athletes had an arthroscopic Bankart repair between 2001-2008, out of which 46 patients (73.0%) participated in the final follow-up. The Constant, Rowe and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index Score (WOSI) and the rate of return to sports were evaluated. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was assessed using the Samilson Prieto classification. Known risk factors for osteoarthritis were analyzed. MRI findings (bone marrow edema, cysts, and joint effusion) were analyzed. The average follow-up was 14 years. Assessment was performed on 46 athletes with an average age of 21.6 at the time of surgery. The overall redislocation rate was 21.7%. Constant Score was 96.7, Rowe Score was 83.4, and WOSI Score was 90.7 out of 100. 84.8% of the athletes returned to their initial sports level. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis occurred in 28.1%. Known risk factors for osteoarthritis could be confirmed. Further MRI findings were rare. Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in athletes shows good long-term clinical results. However, this has to be restricted to patients with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis was very rare and known risk factor could be confirmed. We assume that resorption of anchors differs in patients. If it does have an impact on developing arthrosis, this should be confirmed in further studies.