Glenohumeral osteoarthrosis after Putti-Platt repair

The Putti-Platt capsulorraphy for recurrent anterior dislocation of the gle nohumeral joint was performed in 139 shoulders between 1955 and 1985 Sixty- six (46%) operated shoulders were studied with a mean follow-up period of 2 2 years (range 10 to 40 years). There were 52 shoulders of men and 14 shoul ders of women; 45% of the shoulders were on the dominant side. Two patients underwent surgery on both shoulders. The average age of the patients was 4 9.3 years (range 33 to 74 years). Evaluation was based on patient history a nd the results of physical examination and radiography. The redislocation r ate was low (only 3%), and 71% of the patients did not have pain, strength loss, stiffness, or instability in the operated shoulder Radiographs were m ade of all shoulders, including the nonoperated shoulders. Osteoarthrotic c hanges of the glenohumeral joint were found in 40 (61%) shoulders. Arthrosi s was mild in 23 (35%) shoulders, moderate in 13 (20%) shoulders, and sever e in 4 (6%) shoulders. The rate of glenohumeral arthrosis is increased in p atients who have undergone a Putti-Platt procedure and is positively correl ated with the length of time since surgery No correlation was found in this study between external rotation at 6 months after operation and the develo pment of glenohumeral arthrosis. The number of dislocations before operatio n was correlated with the severity of arthrosis but not with its incidence.