Abstract
Aim: To describe the technique and the mid term results of anterior shoulder instability arthroscopic reconstruction.
Patients-methods: Between March and December 2000 29 patients-28 males with ages ranging between 19–29 years (mean age 23 y.) and 1 female 24 years old-underwent arthroroscopic stabilization of anterior shoulder instability. During the procedure the anterior-inferior part of the labrum was reattached to the glenoid using bioabsorbable and metallic suture anchors. In selected patients in which capsule plication after anchors’ insertion was insufficient additional capsular shrikange or/and rotators’ interval closure was also performed.
Results: Postoperatively patient evaluation took place using Rowe-Zarins scale. According to this score 22 patients (75,9%) had excellent or very good outcome. Three (3) patients (10,35%) were lost during follow up while 1 (3,45%) died. From the remaining 25 patients 2 had recurrence of the instability (6.9%) and in 1 patient (3,45%) a stiff shoulder was noticed and arthroscopically resolved. Finally a disengaged metallic suture anchor was noticed incidentally during routine radiographic examination in one patient (3,45%).The anchor was successfully removed under arthroscopic visualization without compromising the final outcome.
Conclusions: Arthroscopic reconstruction of anterior shoulder instability when precisely performed after correct patient selection is an effective technique achieving results comparable to those of traditional open procedures.
The abstracts were prepared by Eleni Koutsoukou. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST), 20, A. Fleming str, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
