ARTHROSCOPIC FIXATION OF SUPERIOR LABRAL LESIONS USING A BIODEGRADABLE IMPLANT - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Twenty-two patients were treated for symptomatic lesions of the superi or glenoid labrum in association with instability of the tendinous ins ertion of the long head of the biceps brachii. A biodegradable implant was used to fix the labrum to the bony glenoid using an arthroscopic technique. At 2-year average follow-up, satisfactory results were obta ined in 86% of the patients, Two patients, both of whom had undergone concomitant subacromial decompression, continued to complain of pain a fter the procedure; 3 patients had restricted motion postoperatively, and 1 required manipulation under anesthesia. Twelve of 13 overhead at hletes were able to return to full premorbid function, Arthroscopic fi xation of unstable lesions of the superior labrum led to a resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. There were no complications r elated to the use of the biodegradable implant.