The changes occurring after the Putti-Platt procedure using magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following Putti-Platt procedure for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Six shoulders of six patients who had received Putti-Platt procedure were evaluated by the MRI before and after operation. After the Putti-Platt procedure the subscapularis tendon was thickened and an increased signal area on T2-weighted images were observed in four patients. The area of subscapularis tendons after operation was increased maximally 3.46-fold and the volume was increased on average 1.51-fold. The course of subscapularis muscle fiber before operation was described as a mild arc, but changed to a straight line after the procedure in five patients. The findings in this study suggest that the Putti-Platt procedure leads to a remarkable increase in strength of subscapularis tendon and an improvement of laxity of subscapularis muscle. In conclusion, there is a good possibility that this procedure will increase the stability of the glenohumeral joint and be a successful treatment for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder.