ARTHROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED REPAIR OF ACUTE BANKART LESION

Acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations are associated with hig h recurrence rates in young athletic individuals. Arthroscopically ass isted stabilization of acute initial traumatic anterior dislocation wa s carried out in 11 young athletes. The average age was 20 years, with nine males and two females. The anterior acute Bankart lesion was sur gically repaired using the technique described by Caspari/Morgan. Ther e were no surgical complications. All patients were able to return to their sport without restriction. One patient had a transient episode o f instability 8 months postoperatively associated with trauma, but no further sequelae. Using the Rowe scale there were nine excellent and t wo good results. Using repair of a Bankart lesion provides a stable sh oulder with minimal loss of function and low recurrence rate. Early in tervention should be considered in young, highly competitive athletes.