Comparison of open and arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent shoulder dislocation in patients with a Bankart lesion

We performed a prospective study of 117 patients (119 shoulders) with sympt omatic, recurrent anterior posttraumatic shoulder instability to compare op en versus arthroscopic reconstruction. Arthroscopic reconstructions (N=66) were performed using bioabsorbable tacks (Suretac fixators), whereas open r econstructions (N=53) were performed with suture anchors. All of the patien ts had a Bankart lesion. Independent observers examined 108 of the 119 shou lders (91%) at a median follow-up period of 28 months (range, 24 to 63) for the arthroscopic group and 36 months (range, 24 to 63) for the open group. The recurrence rate, including both dislocations and subluxations, was 9 o f 60 (15%) in the arthroscopic group, compared with 5 of 48 (10%) in the op en group. At follow-up, the Rowe score was 93 points (range, 39 to 100) and the Constant score was 91 points (range, 56 to 100) in the arthroscopic gr oup, compared with 89 points (range, 53 to 100 and 57 to 100 for the Rowe a nd Constant scores, respectively) for both scores in the open group. The on ly significant difference was in external rotation in abduction, which was 90 degrees (range, 50 degrees to 135 degrees) in the arthroscopic group and 80 degrees (range, 25 degrees to 115 degrees) in the open group. Both meth ods produced stable and well-functioning shoulders in the majority of patie nts.