Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare outcome of arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder using knotted and knotless anchors and two rehabilitation regimes.
Method
This is a retrospective study of 58 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization over a five year period (2005–2009). There were two groups of patients. In group A stabilization was performed using absorbable anchors with a knotted technique using No.1 PDS suture. This group had an early mobilization regime. In group B a knotless anchor technique was used with PEEK anchors and nonabsorbable sutures. The patients in this group were immobilised in a sling for 6 weeks. There were a total of 58 patients, 37 in group A and 21 in group B. The mean age of patients undergoing the procedure was 35.7. There were a total of 23 males and 14 females in group A and 15 males and 6 females in group B. The number of dislocations prior to surgery ranged from 0 to multiple times a day. Patients had a mean follow up of 5 years (three to seven years - 2005 to 2009) and subjective shoulder function was evaluated using Oxford instability score and self-assessment questionnaire.
Results
The Shoulder scores showed improvement in both groups and there were no significant differences in redislocation rates and patient satisfaction scores with 20 patients in group A and 11 patients in group B going back to sporting activities.
Conclusion
Since there were no significant differences in shoulder scores in both groups our conclusion was that secure fixation was what mattered irrespective of the type of anchor used or the physiotherapy regimen.
