Evaluation of the Results from Arthroscopic Surgical Treatment for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability Using Suturing of the Lesion at the Opened Margin of the Glenoid Cavity

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical results from patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability that was treated surgically through arthroscopic viewing, using bioabsorbable anchors and a technique for remove the cartilage of the anterior glenoid rim for repairing a Bankart lesion. METHOD Between March 2006 and October 2008, 27 shoulders in 27 patients with a diagnosis of traumatic anterior shoulder instability were operated. The patients' mean age was 28 years and they had had between two and 25 previous episodes of dislocation. The patients were predominantly male (24; 89%). The minimum length of follow-up was 24 months and the mean was 36 months. None of the patients had previously undergone surgery on the affected shoulder or had any significant bone lesion at the glenoid margin. The postoperative clinical assessment was done using the Rowe scale. To measure the preoperative and postoperative joint range of motion, we used the method described by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). RESULTS According to the Rowe criteria, 25 patients (93%) achieved excellent results and two (7%) had poor results. None of the patients presented good or fair results. Twenty-three patients were satisfied with the results obtained (85%), and returned to their activities without limitations, while four patients (15%) had some degree of limitation. There was recurrence of instability in two patients (7%). CONCLUSION Treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability through arthroscopic viewing using a technique for remove the cartilage of the anterior glenoid rim for repairing a Bankart lesion provided excellent results for 93% of the patients operated.