Shoulder function after arthroscopic anterior stabilization of the glenohumeral joint using an absorbable tac

Among the advantages of arthroscopic stabilization could be less loss of ra nge of motion and, with that, better functional outcome. In each of 24 shou lders, arthroscopic anterior repair of instability was performed through us e of cannulated resorbable tacs (Suretacs), and the clinical outcome, espec ially the Function, was examined in 20 shoulders after a mean Follow-up of 3.4 years. The study included a retrospective analysis of 10 shoulders with documented recurrent anterior dislocations, 3 shoulders with posttraumatic subluxations, and 7 shoulders with painful apprehension and unequivocally clear Bankart lesions at arthroscopy. The evaluation of the recurrent dislo cators revealed recurrence in 20%, residual instability in 10%, and a mean loss of external rotation of 28.5 degrees. No recurrence or residual instab ility was encountered in the other 2 groups. Mean loss of external rotation was 15 degrees in the group of subluxators and 20 degrees in the group of painful shoulders with intraoperatively evident instability Through use of the Rowe score, failure was found in 30%; of the dislocators; no failures w ere noted in the other groups. The painful shoulders with intraoperatively evident instability had significanfly (P < .05) better Rowe scores than sho ulders that had documented dislocation. Our series confirmed a relatively h igh failure rate for arthroscopic anterior stabilization of recurrent anter ior dislocators. Our series did not confirm that arthroscopically successfu lly stabilized shoulders recover Full Function and mobility In the light of the relatively high rate of residual instability and incomplete functional recovery in successfully stabilized shoulders, we have discontinued use of this technique For the treatment of recurrent dislocators.