Long-Term Results of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Anterior Glenohumeral Instability: Does Associated Postero-inferior Capsulolabral Repair Still Have a Role?

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic anterior Bankart repair with and without associated postero-inferior capsulolabral repair as treatment of anterior glenohumeral instabiliy at minimun 10 year follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective comparative study including patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior Bankart repair to treat anterior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone-loss < 15% between January 2000 and February 2010 was performed. Outcomes were reported as recurrence rate, type of recurrence (dislocation or subluxation), need for revision surgery, range of motion, complications, and functional status. Outcomes were compared depending on whether a postero-inferior capsulolabral repair was added to the anterior Bankart repair.

Results: 70 shoulders [59 males, mean age 28.2 (range 14-56), mean follow-up 146.1 (range 120-208) months] were included. Recurrence occurred in 9 cases (12.8%), including 3 dislocations and 6 subluxations. Revision surgery was needed in 8 (11.4%). Mean Rowe score improved from 29.7 (11.6) preoperatively to 87.1 (12.3) postoperatively. 83.3% returned to previous sports activities. Mean forward flexion changed from 173.5° (19.2) to 168.4º(10.4) ( < 0.01), external rotation from 81.4° (18) to 75.7° (10.5) ( < 0.01), and internal rotation decreased from 66.2% reaching T12 to 14.1% ( < 0.01). Addition of postero-inferior capsulolabral repair did not influence any of the outcomes significantly.

Conclusion: Postero-inferior capsulolabral repair added to anterior Bankart repair as treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability in abscence of significant glenoid bone-loss did not influence the outcomes in terms of recurrence, range of motion, return to sports, or functional status, compared to isolated anterior Bankart repair at 12.2 year follow-up.

Level Of Evidence: Level III.