To report the results of the vertical apical suture Bankart lesion repair.

Fifty-nine patients (52 men and 7 women) with a mean age of twenty-seven years (range, 16 to 53 years) were studied. The mean duration of instability was 4. 1 years and mean follow-up was 42 months (range 24 to 58 months).

A laterally based T-shape capsular incision was performed with the horizontal component directed towards the glenoid neck and into the Bankart lesion. A vertical apical suture through the superior and inferior flaps of the Bankart lesion, tightens the anterior structures to allow them to snug onto the convex decorticated surface of the anterior glenoid. The inferior flap of the capsule was then shifted superiorly and the superior flap shifted inferiorly to augment the anterior capsule, with the shoulder in 20 degrees of abduction and 30 degrees of external rotation.

At final review, according to the system of Rowe et al., 94. 9% (56 patients) had a rating of good or excellent. Three patients had a recurrent dislocation due to further trauma.

The mean loss of forward elevation was 1 degree, external rotation with the arm at the side was 2. 4 degrees and external rotation in 90 degrees abduction was 2. 2 degrees. Of forty-four patients participating in sport, thirty-five (79. 5%) returned to the same sport at the same level of activity, seven returned to the same sport at a reduced level of activity and two patients did not return to sport.

The vertical apical suture repair offers a 94. 9% stability rate, a maintained range of motion and a 79. 5% return to pre-injury level of sporting activity. It is technically less demanding than the Bankart procedure. All sutures used are absorbable. Complications related to non-absorbable implants and absorbable anchors and tacks are avoided.