Arthroscopic Treatment of the First Anterior Shoulder Dislocation in Young Skiers

The purpose of this paper was to describe the results of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in skiers following the first episode of anterior dislocation. Between 1999 and 2001, 18 patients aged 19–27 years were treated arthroscopically following an acute, primary anterior shoulder dislocation. All patients were active skiers and were injured during skiing. The detached anterior labrum was reattached on the glenoid articular surface using 2–5 bone anchors, mainly metallic. Postoperative evaluation was performed with the Rowe-Zarins scale with a mean follow up of 31 months. There have been no recurrences and all patients returned to their preinjury level. According to the Rowe-Zarins scale the outcome was excellent in 15/17 cases. Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in selected, active patients provides good mid-term functional results. The quality of glenohumeral ligaments was better compared to patients with chronic instability and the secondary injuries were less common.