Arthroscopic labrum reconstruction with capsular shift in anterior shoulder instability: improved midterm results by using a standardized suprabicipital camera position.

PURPOSE

To investigate the midterm results of a standardized arthroscopic technique for labrum reconstruction by using a third suprabicipital portal for better visualization of the anterior glenoid rim.

METHODS

Thirty-three of 36 patients treated for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were followed up by telephone and/or in clinical examinations. The average age of the patients (12 women and 21 men) at the time of surgery was 25.2 years, with a mean follow-up of 35 months. On average, 7.8 dislocations occurred between the first dislocation and the stabilization procedure (mean, 45.4 months).

RESULTS

Two patients suffered again from redislocations (recurrence rate 6.1%), and 3 patients had 1 or 2 subluxations (9.1%) at the time of follow-up. In the Rowe score, the patients reached 77.5 points on average; 81.8% of the patients returned to sports and leisure activities as in the time before the first dislocation, and 18.2% (6 patients) did not. Limitations for external rotation were 7.8 degrees on average postoperatively. No statistical correlation between the number of preoperative dislocations and the level of the postoperative Rowe score was found.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic labrum reconstruction with capsular shift using the 3-portal technique combined with a standardized suprabicipital camera position revealed a recurrence rate and midterm results that were close to results achieved after open procedures. The failure rate, according to the number of dislocations, was 6.1% based on the patient's satisfaction of 12.1%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.