Treatment options for anterior instability: Open versus arthroscopic

Abstract

Although open Bankart and capsulorrhaphy repair techniques offer a very reliable method for elimination ofanterior shoulder instability, they have the disadvantages of associated surgical morbidity and potential for loss of external rotation. Arthroscopic Bankart repair has been a developing surgical alternative that offers less surgical morbidity and possibly better ultimate range of motion. However, this latter approach has a higher failure rate. In the future, recognition of the optimal factors for successful treatment with arthroscopic techniques may allow the surgeon to select patients for this method, while directing others to an open approach.