LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF THE MODIFIED BRISTOW PROCEDURE

A total of 86 modified Bristow procedures were performed for anterior shoulder instability between 1975 and 1987. Followup on 79 shoulders ( 92%) was obtained at an average postoperative time of 8.6 years. The r edislocation rate was 4%. Average motion loss was 50 of internal rotat ion and 90 of external rotation. Fifteen percent of the patients exami ned expressed mild apprehension with the shoulder abducted and externa lly rotated. Radiographic bone union of the coracoid transplant was no ted in 82% of patients. Additional surgical procedures were required i n 14% of patients. Seventy-three percent of the reoperations were for screw removal because of persistent shoulder pain. The average subject ive shoulder function was rated at 86% of preinjury level. All throwin g athletes were able to return to throwing, although 54% of the patien ts with dominant shoulder involvement noted a decrease in throwing vel ocity. Ninety-seven percent of the patients rated their results as goo d or excellent.