PURPOSE

To report the long-term results of a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of immediate arthroscopic stabilization versus immobilization and rehabilitation after a first traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder.

TYPE OF STUDY

Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Forty subjects younger than 30 years with a first traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation were randomized to receive immediate anterior stabilization plus rehabilitation or immobilization followed by rehabilitation. Patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) questionnaires.

RESULTS

At an average follow-up of 75 months, there was a significant difference in the rate of redislocation between the groups but no statistical significant difference in shoulder function with the ASES or the DASH. The mean difference between the 2 groups with the WOSI estimates a small, but clinically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that immediate arthroscopic stabilization is the treatment of choice in a subset of patients who are younger than 30 years and are higher level athletes, and the timing for surgery is good or their sport is risky, i.e., rugby, football, kayaking, rock climbing.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.