Long term results of arthroscopic bankart repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability

Gerard Ww Ee,Sedeek Mohamed,Andrew Hc Tan

doi:10.1186/1749-799x-6-28

Abstract

BackgroundThe arthroscopic method offers a less invasive technique of Bankart repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. We would like to report the 2 year clinical outcomes of bio-absorbable suture anchors used in traumatic anterior dislocations of the shoulder.MethodsData from 79 shoulders in 74 patients were collected over 4 years (2004 - 2008). Each patient was followed-up over a period of 2 years. The patients underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair using bio-absorbable suture anchors for their shoulder instability. These surgeries were performed at a single institution by a single surgeon over the time period. The patients were assessed with two different outcome measurement tools. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score. The scores were calculated before surgery and at the 2-year follow-up. The recurrence rates, range of motion as well post-operative function and return to sporting activities were evaluated.ResultsSST results from the 12 domains showed a significant improvement from a mean of 6.1 ± 3.1 to 11.1 ± 1.8 taken at the 2-year follow-up (p < 0.0001). Data from the UCLA scale showed a Pre and Post Operative Mean of 20.2 ± 5.0 and 32.4 ± 4.6 respectively (p < 0.0001). 34 had excellent post-operative scores, 35 had good scores, 1 had fair score and 3 had poor scores. 75% of the patients returned to sports while 7.6% developed a recurrence of shoulder dislocation or subluxation.ConclusionArthroscopic Bankart repair with the use of suture anchors is a reliable treatment method, with good clinical outcomes, excellent post-operative shoulder motion and low recurrence rates.

Highlights

Recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability is common in young athletes
As arthroscopic techniques have continued to evolve over the last decade, it is important to evaluate if these new techniques have resulted in an improved outcome
Inclusion criteria for surgery included recurrent anterior glenohumeral subluxation or dislocation after an initial episode of traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation, a Bankart lesion confirmed by arthroscopic examination or ultrasound or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic Bankart repair done using bio-absorbable suture anchors

Summary

Introduction

Recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability is common in young athletes. These injuries often occur during sports, preventing the individual from returning to these activities. The stability of the glenohumeral joint is maintained by the glenoid labrum This labrum creates a socket-deepening effect preventing any shoulder dislocations. An avulsion of this anterior inferior labrum from the glenoid rim was first described by Perthes and Bankart in the early twentieth century [1,2]. Several open and arthroscopic techniques have been described to address anterior shoulder instability. We would like to report the 2 year clinical outcomes of bio-absorbable suture anchors used in traumatic anterior dislocations of the shoulder

Methods

Results

Conclusion