Evaluation of force and mobility following the open Bankart operation for treatment of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the isokinetic muscle strength, range of motion and radiological signs of arthopathy of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder after an open Bankart procedure. This retrospective study is based on the analysis of isokinetic muscle strength, range of motion, function and arthropathy of the shoulders of 81 patients at an average of 2.3 years (range 1-4 years) after a Bankart procedure. Isokinetic muscle strength testing was performed using the Cybex 6000 dynamometer. Clinical testing at follow-up revealed no significant loss of range of motion of the operated shoulder compared to the healthy contralateral shoulder. The deficit of muscle strength (average peak torque, total work, total power) of the involved side averaged 10 % of the not-involved side and was not statistically different. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated an increase of arthropathy in 35 % of the shoulders after the Bankart procedure. At an average follow-up of 2.3 years after an open Bankart repair for treatment of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder we found no significant difference between the operated shoulder and the healthy contralateral side concerning range of motion and isokinetic muscle strength. From that we conclude that the Bankart procedure offers an excellent clinical outcome combined with a low degree of morbidity.