Arthroscopic three-point double-row repair for acute bony Bankart lesions

The Independent Double-Row (IDR) Bony Bankart Repair Technique

A displaced anterior glenoid rim fracture, the so-called bony Bankart lesion, occurs after a traumatic shoulder dislocation resulting from a high energy trauma and is associated with recurrent shoulder instability. Different surgical techniques have been described in the literature to address this pathology, including open reduction and fixation, as well as arthroscopic transosseous, and single-row or double-row approaches with the use of suture anchors. However, there is currently no gold standard of treatment and the stability of fixation and the healing of the bony fragment are still a concern. The purpose of this report was to introduce an arthroscopic independent double-row (IDR) bony Bankart repair technique for fixation of large glenoid fractures.

Transosseous Equivalent Technique for Bony Bankart Repair

Bony Bankart lesions of the anterior glenoid arise from traumatic glenohumeral instability events and can predispose persons to recurrent instability if not surgically stabilized. Large osseous fragments, when repaired anatomically, have excellent stability and functional outcomes; however, techniques to achieve this repair are often either tenuous or overcomplicated. In this technique guide, we describe a repair technique based on established biomechanical principles that achieves a reliable, anatomic glenoid articular surface. This technique can be readily applied in most bony Bankart settings using standard anterior labral repair instrumentation and implants.

Arthroscopic double-row bridge fixation provided satisfactory shoulder functional restoration with high union rate for acute anterior glenoid fracture

PURPOSE

To introduce a novel surgical technique for arthroscopic reduction and double-row bridge fixation using trans-subscapularis tendon portal for anterior glenoid fracture and to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 22 patients who underwent arthroscopic reduction and double-row bridge fixation for an acute anterior glenoid fracture were retrospectively evaluated. Arthroscopic surgery was performed using four portals including a trans-subscapularis tendon portal. All patients underwent 3D-CT preoperatively and one day and one year postoperatively to evaluate the fracture fragment size, reduction status, and presence of fracture union. To evaluate the degree of fragment displacement, articular step-off and medial fracture gap were measured using 3D-CT. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on the ASES and Constant scores. Postoperative glenohumeral joint arthritis was evaluated using plain radiographs with the Samilson and Prieto classification.

RESULTS

The average preoperative fracture fragment size was 25.9 ± 5.6%. Articular step-off (preoperative: 6.0 ± 3.3 mm, postoperative one day: 1.1 ± 1.6 mm, P < 0.001) and medial fracture gap (preoperative: 5.2 ± 2.6 mm, postoperative one day: 1.9 ± 2.3 mm, P < 0.001) were improved after surgery. On the postoperative one year 3D-CT, 20 patients achieved complete fracture union, and two patients showed partial union. Postoperative glenohumeral joint arthritis was observed in four patients. At the last visit, the ASES score was 91.8 ± 7.0 and the Constant score was 91.6 ± 7.0.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic reduction and double-row bridge fixation using a trans-subscapularis tendon portal for acute anterior glenoid fracture achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes and anatomical reduction as demonstrated by a low degree of articular step-off and medial fracture gap.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Bony Bankart Repair for Anterior Instability of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Individual studies reporting the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability have reported excellent results but have been limited by their small sample sizes. No systematic review of the literature has been performed examining the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair.

PURPOSE

To provide a systematic review of the literature to examine the functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and return to sports rate after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior instability of the shoulder.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid/Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies that examined clinical outcomes after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability were included. Data pertaining to study characteristics and design, patient demographic characteristics, and clinical results, including functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and return to sports, were collected. The results from the studies were pooled, and weighted means and overall rates were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 21 studies with 769 patients were included for analysis. Most patients were male (91.7%), the mean age was 26.7 years (range, 12-71 years), and the mean follow-up was 42.7 months (range, 6-120 months). The most commonly reported functional outcome score was the Rowe score (12 studies), which improved on average from 41.9 preoperatively to 90.8 postoperatively. The rate of recurrent instability was reported by all 21 studies, and the overall recurrence rate was 11.9% (88/738). Return to sports after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair was reported by 11 studies, with a pooled return to sports rate of 91.0% (264/290).

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability resulted in improvements in functional outcomes, a low rate of recurrent instability, and a high rate of return to sports. Although these findings are extremely promising, future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair.

Modified Double-Row and Double-Pulley Technique for the Treatment of Type Ia Scapular Glenoid Fractures

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the double‐row and double‐pulley technique in treating anterior shoulder glenoid fracture (Ideberg type Ia) using shoulder arthroscopy.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with Ideberg type Ia admitted from March 1, 2017, to March 1, 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Data of the patients' history included age, sex, side of the affected arm, the mean time from injury to surgery, the surgical duration, the average blood loss, and the average total duration of hospital stay. The double‐row and double‐pulley technique was used to repair the scapular glenoid fracture under arthroscopy. Computed tomography (CT) was used to evaluate fracture healing after surgery. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder joint scoring system, and the Constant–Murley shoulder function score were used to assess the function of the affected shoulder.

Results

The surgical duration was 90–150 min, with a mean of 127 min. The average blood loss was 90 mL (range, 60–120 mL), and the average total duration of hospital stay was 9.2 days (range, 3 to 14 days). At 9 months after surgery, the CT results showed that all fractures healed, and all patients returned to their previous levels of activity and regained an excellent range of motion. The visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.55 ± 1.32 before surgery, and the VAS score significantly decreased to 1.24 ± 0.72 at 12 months after the operation (p < 0.05). The Constant, ASES, and UCLA shoulder function scores were 44.38 ± 2.16, 43.47 ± 12.76, and 21.80 ± 1.16 before the surgery, respectively, which improved to 93.52 ± 2.82, 91.34 ± 8.28, and 33.24 ± 1.64, respectively, in the following 12 months. One patient experienced fat liquefaction. However, no cases of deep venous thrombosis, iatrogenic neurovascular compromise, wound infection, or neurovascular injury were identified.

Conclusion

The double‐row and double‐pulley technique for treating Ideberg type Ia under shoulder arthroscopy has minor surgical trauma, reliable fracture reduction and fixation, less postoperative pain, and fewer postoperative complications and significantly improves the patient's shoulder joint function.

[Effectiveness of a single threaded anchor fixation under shoulder arthroscopy in treatment of fresh bony Bankart injury]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of a single threaded anchor fixation under shoulder arthroscopy in the treatment of fresh bony Bankart injury.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and May 2021, 12 patients with fresh bony Bankart injury caused by trauma were treated with a single threaded anchor fixation under shoulder arthroscopy. There were 10 males and 2 females with an average age of 38.8 years (range, 21-64 years). The time between injury and operation ranged from 7 to 30 days (mean, 15.8 days). Preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 44.9±17.4, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score was 13.1±5.5; the forward supination, lateral external rotation, and lateral internal rotation of shoulder were (130.8±11.8)°, (25.0±7.9)°, and 9.2±1.6, respectively. CT scan and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction showed that the fracture fragment area was less than 1/4 of the glenoid area in 10 cases, and 1/4-1/2 in 2 cases. The operation time was recorded. During follow-up, ASES score, UCLA score, Rowes score, and shoulder range of motion were used to evaluate the effectiveness, and shoulder CT scan and 3D reconstruction were used to evaluate the fracture position and healing.

RESULTS

The operation time ranged from 50 to 150 minutes (mean, 85.5 minutes). All patients were followed up 3-18 months (mean, 9.1 months). There was no serious adverse effect such as infection, re-dislocation, or thrombosis. Three patients had shoulder adhesions after operation. At last follow-up, the forward supination of shoulder [(162.1±30.3)°], lateral external rotation [(37.5±11.2)°], and lateral internal rotation (9.2±1.6) significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( t=3.331, P=0.003; t=3.153, P=0.005; t=2.716, P=0.013). The ASES score was 89.7±11.8 and the UCLA score was 32.8±2.4, which significantly increased when compared with those before operation ( t=7.368, P<0.001; t=11.370, P<0.001). The Rowes score ranged from 75 to 100 (mean, 92.9). Among them, 9 cases were excellent and 3 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CT re-examination showed that the fracture line disappeared in 11 cases, and the fracture alignment was good; the alignment of the fracture fragment was poor in 1 case whose fracture fragment area was between 1/4 and 1/2 of the glenoid area.

CONCLUSION

For the fracture fragment area not exceeding 1/4 of the glenoid, the labrum-capsule complex at the lower end of the bone fragment intact, and the non-comminuted fresh bony Bankart injury, a single threaded anchor fixation under shoulder arthroscopy can achieve better effectiveness, has the advantages of less trauma and faster postoperative recovery.

Arthroscopic Acute Bony Bankart Repair in Lateral Decubitus

The optimal management of anterior shoulder instability continues to be a challenge. The presence of an anterior glenoid rim fracture in the context of a glenohumeral dislocation, also called "bony Bankart lesion," can alter therapeutic behavior. Reduction and fixation of the bone fragment has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of recurrence once bone consolidation is achieved. However, there is no gold standard surgical technique. Stability of fixation and the healing of the bony fragment are still a concern, and there are no clinical studies comparing the different techniques to date. The aim of this report is to describe an arthroscopic double-point fragment fixation technique in lateral decubitus for the treatment of an acute traumatic shoulder dislocation with a bony Bankart lesion.

Arthroscopic repair of glenoid rim fractures: a ligamentotaxis surgical technique

PURPOSE

Glenoid fractures occur as a result of direct impact of the humeral head against the glenoid rim following high-energy trauma. They frequently involve one-third of the glenoid surface with an oblique fracture rim from 2 to 6-7 o'clock, and they must not be confused with bony Bankart lesions. In medium-age patients, they are frequently associated with acute cuff tear while in older patients with chronic cuff tear: These conditions increase the instability of the shoulder if not treated. With this study, we reported the results of the arthroscopic ligamentotaxis technique treatment of acute antero-inferior glenoid fractures type IA of Ideberg with a cuff repair associated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eleven patients with IA Ideberg glenoid fracture were treated with ligamentotaxis technique. Mean age: 56 years (45-70); 80% dominant side; male/female: 1.2. Mean extension area of glenoid fracture: 25%. The fragment was fixated reinserting the labro-ligamentous complex with a single 2 o'clock anchor. In six patients (55%), a rotator cuff tear was present, repaired during the surgical intervention. Radiological assessment: X-rays and CT with PICO method to measure the glenoid area involved. Clinical assessment: VAS, constant score, Dash score and Rowe score.

RESULTS

After 30 months of follow-up (12-50), no differences in flexion, abduction, rotations and pain were reported compared to the contralateral side (p > 0.05). The mean normalized constant was 101 (60-123), and the mean Rowe was 93 (65-100). X-rays showed good healing without articular surface depressions or step in all cases. Two patients had a progression of gleno-humeral arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Acute antero-inferior glenoid rim fractures are uncommon but they are increasing in over 55 years population (frequently associated with cuff tear). Correct classification and treatment are necessary to achieve good results. The X-ray assessment includes the Neer's trauma series and the CT study with PICO measurement of glenoid fragment size. Wrong treatment can lead to chronic instability, degenerative joint disease and poor results. The arthroscopic repair with ligamentotaxis is a good solution and permits the treatment of the associated rotator cuff tear. Arthroscopic technique imposes a long learning curve. CT can be used to confirm the anatomic reduction and the healing of the fracture but since it uses X-rays it must be reserved to comminuted fractures.

Functional outcome of arthroscopic double row repair for Bankart lesion

Introduction

The shoulder joint is the most common major joint to dislocate. Population aged younger than 20 years, recurrent dislocation rates have been reported to be as high as 90%. For those individuals that continue to experience dislocations surgery is often a good decision. The goal of the Bankart surgery is to reconnect the torn labrum to the glenoid fossa. Double-row Bankart repair can both achieve anatomic reduction and enhance fixation stability. The purpose of our study is to assess the clinical outcome of arthroscopic double row repair.

Methods

49 cases with Bankart lesion operated by double row repair were studied. Functional outcome and retear were assessed after at least 6 months of surgery using scores and MRI.

Results

Significant improvement in functional outcome after repair by double row Bankart repair. No retear or redislocation seen.

Conclusion

Double row repair technique improves function of shoulder significantly and potentially minimizes future re-injury or recurrence risk.

[Diagnostics and treatment concepts for anteroinferior shoulder instability : Current trends]

Shoulder instability arises when static or dynamic stabilizers deviate from the natural equilibrium. The most common form of shoulder instability is in an anteroinferior direction, affects young athletes in contact sports and can lead to permanent impairment of shoulder function and early degeneration of the joint. Conservative as well as operative therapy options have been controversially discussed for years. This article describes the current state of diagnostics, current trends in therapy decisions and relevant therapy options for anterior shoulder instability.

Arthroscopic Double-Row Suture Anchor Repair of Acute Posterior Bony Bankart Lesion

The treatment of anterior shoulder instability is well described with various techniques, including arthroscopic double-row repair, an alternative to open stabilization procedures in high-risk groups. The surgical management of posterior instability in high-risk and athletic populations is a less-explored entity. We describe our technique for an all arthroscopic double-row suture anchor repair of a large posterior bony Bankart lesion. We prefer this technique over percutaneous cannulated screw fixation because the double-row suture technique allows for incorporation of capsular plication with bony fixation in an effort to better restore normal anatomy for capsulolabral complex. Double-row repair capsulolabral repair or fixation of the bony Bankart is performed via a suture-bridge technique. Medial row anchors are placed down the glenoid neck and shuttled around the bony fragment and labrum. The lateral-row anchor is placed at the rim of the native glenoid. This repair technique has been shown to increase the surface area for healing and more closely reconstruct the native anatomic capsulolabral complex footprint, improve force distribution, and potentially impart enhanced posterior stability to the glenohumeral joint.

Arthroscopic Suture Anchor Fixation of Bony Bankart Lesions: Clinical Outcome, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results, and Return to Sports

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome, return to sporting activity, and postoperative articular cartilage and bony morphology of shoulders that underwent arthroscopic suture anchor repair of bony Bankart lesions.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria for this retrospective study were anterior glenoid rim fractures after traumatic shoulder instability that were treated with arthroscopic suture anchor repair. Patients were surveyed by a questionnaire including sport-specific outcome, Rowe score, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and Oxford Instability Score. Three-tesla magnetic resonance imaging could be performed in 30 patients to assess osseous integration, glenoid reconstruction, and signs of osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

From November 1999 to April 2010, 81 patients underwent an anterior bony Bankart repair in our department (50 arthroscopic suture anchor repairs, 5 arthroscopic screw fixations, and 26 open repairs). The 55 arthroscopic repairs comprised a consecutive cohort of patients treated by a single surgeon. Of the 50 patients in the suture anchor group, 45 (90%) were available for evaluation. At 82 ± 31 months postoperatively, the mean Rowe score was 85.9 ± 20.5 points, the mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score was 89.4% ± 14.7%, and the mean Oxford Instability Score was 13.6 ± 5.4 points. Compared with the contralateral shoulder, all scores showed a significantly reduced outcome (P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). A redislocation occurred in 3 patients (6.6%). Regarding satisfaction, 35 patients (78%) were very satisfied, 9 (20%) were satisfied, and 1 was partly satisfied. Overall, 95% of patients returned to any sporting activity after surgery. The number of sports disciplines (P < .001), duration (P = .005), level (P = .02), and risk category (P = .013) showed a significant reduction compared with the pretrauma condition. However, only 19% of patients reported that shoulder complaints were the reason for the reduction in activity. Nonunion occurred in 16.6%, with a higher frequency in patients with chronic lesions (P = .031). Anatomic reduction was achieved in 72%, the medial step-off in patients with nonanatomic reduction averaged 1.8 ± 0.9 mm, and the remaining glenoid defect size averaged 6.8% ± 7.3%. Full-thickness cartilage defects of the anterior glenoid were detected in 70% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic suture anchor repair may enable an anatomic reduction of bony Bankart lesions with no or only minimal articular steps and provides successful midterm outcomes concerning clinical scores, recurrence, and patient satisfaction. The return to activity is limited for various, mostly non-shoulder-related causes. Chronic lesions may have an inferior healing potential; therefore early surgical stabilization of acute Bankart fragments is suggested to avoid possible nonunion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Arthroscopic transosseous bony bankart repair

Restoration of glenoid bony integrity is critical to minimizing the risk of recurrence and re-creating normal kinematics in the setting of anterior glenohumeral instability. We present an arthroscopic suture anchor-based technique for treating large bony Bankart fractures in which the fragment is secured to the intact glenoid using mattress sutures placed through the bony fragment and augmented with soft-tissue repair proximal and distal to the bony lesion. This straightforward technique has led to excellent fragment reduction and good outcomes in our experience.

Arthroscopic repair of small and medium-sized bony Bankart lesions

BACKGROUND

There has been no study about treatment guidelines for arthroscopic repair according to the size of bony Bankart lesions of less than 25% of the glenoid width.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of arthroscopic repair for bony Bankart lesions managed with different repair techniques based on their size.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

Between March 2005 and February 2009, 44 of 52 consecutive patients with bony Bankart lesions with a size of less than 25% of the entire glenoid were managed with an arthroscopic approach. Of those patients, 34 (77%) were available for outcome analysis at a minimum 24 months' follow-up (mean, 34 months; range, 24-60 months). The size of the fragment was measured by computed tomography (CT) and classified as small (<12.5% of the inferior glenoid width) and medium (12.5%-25%). Sixteen lesions were classified as small (small group), and 18 were classified as medium (medium group). For small lesions, capsulolabral repair using suture anchors without excision of the bony fragment was performed. For medium lesions, anatomic reduction and fixation using suture anchors was performed, and the adequacy of reduction was assessed by CT postoperatively. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score and modified Rowe score for bony Bankart repair were compared and the postoperative recurrence rate investigated.

RESULTS

One patient from the small group (6.3%) and 1 patient without anatomic reduction of the bony fragment in the medium group (5.6%) experienced traumatic redislocations. The mean VAS score improved from 1.7 preoperatively to 0.5 at final follow-up, and the mean Rowe score improved from 59 to 91 (both P < .001). The mean postoperative Rowe scores increased from 58 to 92 in the small group and from 60 to 91 in the medium group (both P < .001). Residual joint incongruity measuring ≤2 mm on both axial and coronal scans, which was considered an anatomic reduction, was present in 14 cases (77.8%) in the medium group. In the medium group, the mean postoperative Rowe scores increased from 60 to 95 in cases of anatomic reduction compared with an increase from 56 to 76 in cases of nonanatomic reduction. The Rowe score was statistically correlated with anatomic reduction of medium-sized bony fragments (P = .046).

CONCLUSION

In small Bankart lesions, restoration of capsulolabral soft tissue tension alone may be enough, whereas in medium lesions, the osseous architecture of the glenoid should be reconstructed for more functional improvement and less pain.

Arthroscopic management of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone defects

Bony deficiency of the anterior glenoid rim may significantly contribute to recurrent shoulder instability. Today, based on clinical and biomechanical data, a bony reconstruction is recommended in patients with bone loss of greater than 20-25 % of the glenoid surface area. Recent advances in arthroscopic instruments and techniques presently allow minimally invasive and arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects and osteosynthesis of glenoid fractures. This article underlines the role of glenoid bone deficiency in recurrent shoulder instability, provides an update on the current management regarding this pathology and highlights the modern techniques for surgical treatment. Therefore, it can help orthopaedic surgeons in the treatment and decision-making when dealing with these difficult to treat patients in daily clinical practice.

The "bony Bankart bridge" technique for restoration of anterior shoulder stability

BACKGROUND

Bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim can cause recurrent glenohumeral instability. To address this problem, bony reconstruction is recommended in patients with glenoid bone loss more than 20% to 25%. Recent advances in shoulder surgery techniques allow for the arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects to restore stability.

HYPOTHESIS

The all-arthroscopic "bony Bankart bridge" (BBB) technique for bony anterior glenohumeral instability can restore shoulder stability and provide good shoulder function as well as improve patient satisfaction for these difficult-to-treat cases.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 15 patients with bony anterior shoulder instability were treated using the arthroscopic BBB technique. All patients were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand-short version (QuickDASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) preoperatively and at final evaluation. In addition, a specific questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and possible complications.

RESULTS

Two women and 13 men were included in the study, with an average age of 44 years (range, 24-70 years). The average glenoid bone loss was 29% (range, 17%-49%). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 2.0-4.4 years). At that time, the mean ASES score had improved from 81 (range, 50-98) to 98 (range, 88-100) (P = .133). Although this change was not statistically significant because of low patient numbers, the amount of improvement was almost 3 times the minimal clinically important difference of 6.4 points as reported in previous studies. The mean SF-12 (physical component) improved from 46.8 to 56.2 at final follow-up (P = .015). The mean QuickDASH score at final follow-up was 2.8 (range, 0-15.9), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 99 (range, 95-100). There were 14 (93%) stable shoulders and 1 (7%) failure with redislocation from a fall. Median patient satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 7-10) out of 10.

CONCLUSION

The arthroscopic BBB technique for anterior instability with glenoid rim fracture successfully restores shoulder stability with a high median patient satisfaction (10/10) and a very low complication rate.

Arthroscopic bony bankart repair using double-threaded headless screw: a case report

We present a case of arthroscopic fixation for bony Bankart lesion using a double-threaded cannulated screw. A 39-year-old man sustained a left shoulder injury from a motorcycle accident. Radiographs showed bony Bankart lesion and CT revealed 40% defect of glenoid articular surface. Arthroscopic fixation was performed using double-threaded cannulated screw after the bony fragment was reduced by suturing the labrum at the edge with a suture anchor. Arthroscopic bony Bankart repair using double-threaded cannulated screw fixation is effective because compression force could be applied between bony fragments and the screw head is not exposed in the glenohumeral joint.

ORV Arthroscopic Transosseous Bony Bankart Repair

The arthroscopic treatment of the "bony Bankart lesion" continues to evolve. We present a novel technique that we developed at Orthopaedic Research of Virginia, the "transosseous bony Bankart repair," which incorporates several essential concepts to provide for optimal healing and rehabilitation. We promote arthroscopic repair emphasizing bone preservation, a fracture interface without interposing sutures, the ability to reduce capsular volume, and multiple points of stable glenolabral fixation. Our technique positions suture anchors within the subchondral bone of the intact glenoid to allow for an anatomic reduction of the bony fragment. By use of an arthroscopic drill, spinal needle, and nitinol suture passing wire, the sutures are passed in a retrograde fashion through the bony Bankart fragment and anterior capsule in a mattress configuration. Additional inferior and superior anchors are placed to further provide stability and reduce capsular volume. While maximizing fracture surface area and optimizing bony healing, the end result is an anatomic reduction of the bony fragment and the glenoid articular surface.

Arthroscopic repair of chronic bony bankart lesion using a low anterior portal

We describe the repair of a chronic bony Bankart lesion in a case with recurrent instability using standard techniques and equipment for addressing anteroinferior glenohumeral instability. A 25-year-old man with recurrent instability and a chronic bony Bankart lesion with a Hill-Sachs lesion was treated. The inferior 2 sutures and knotless anchors are placed through a low anterior portal, which improves the angle of approach to the inferior portion of the glenoid that is fractured. The knotless anchors are impacted through the low anterior portal, just superior to the level of the suture, as the fragment tends to retract medially and inferiorly, with the drill guide slightly on the face of the glenoid. The superior-anterior portal adjacent to the biceps tendon gives a better view of the glenoid articular cartilage position of the anchors required to restore the anatomic location of the fracture fragment. The low anterior portal improved and simplified the reduction of the fracture fragment to the glenoid neck by allowing access to the anterior-inferior bony Bankart lesion that was repairable with suture and knotless anchors using standardized techniques.

Arthroscopic double-loaded single-row repair in chronic traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation

PURPOSE

We evaluated the clinical results of arthroscopic double-loaded single-row repair for chronic anterior shoulder dislocation.

METHODS

From January 2007 to December 2008, of the 47 shoulders with chronic anterior shoulder dislocation that consecutively underwent arthroscopic double-loaded single-row repair using bio-absorbable suture anchors containing two non-absorbable braided sutures, 45 shoulders (95.7 %) had successful follow-up for a minimum of 2 years. The mean age of patients was 23.7 years, the mean frequency of dislocations before surgery was 6.8 events, and the mean interval between the initial dislocation and surgery was 47.9 months. Clinical results were evaluated using ASES, Rowe, VAS score, and range of motion before surgery and at the final follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean number of suture anchors was 3.38 (range 2-6) and the mean number of stitches was 6.32 (range 4-10). Four of the 45 cases had recurrence (8.9 %). Of these four, three cases underwent re-operation using the same method and the other one case showed no specific discomfort except a one-time dislocation that underwent conservative treatment. The preoperative and the final follow-up ASES and Rowe scores were statistically significantly improved (P < 0.001, each) and instability VAS score was significantly decreased (P < 0.001). No significant difference in forward flexion, extension, abduction, or internal rotation was found (P > 0.05), but external rotation at the side was significantly decreased (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic double-loaded single-row repair using suture anchors, containing two sutures in chronic anterior shoulder dislocation, is a reliable procedure with respect to recurrence rate, range of motion, and shoulder function.

A new "double-pulley" dual-row technique for arthroscopic fixation of bony Bankart lesion

The double-row technique is a new concept for arthroscopic treatment of bony Bankart lesion in shoulder instability. It presents a new and reproducible technique for arthroscopic fixation of bony Bankart fragments with suture anchors. This technique creates double-mattress sutures which compress the fragment against its bone bed and restores better bony anatomy of the anterior glenoid rim with stable and non-tilting fixation that may improve healing.

Freehand versus navigated glenoid anchor positioning in anterior labral repair

PURPOSE

Anchor placement on the glenoid rim is challenging with the angle of insertion critical to achieving satisfactory results. Incorrect anchor placement is a common problem.

METHODS

Three plastic shoulder models were used. Reference markers were attached in the posterior portion of the acromion. Using the navigation system, reference point data from the glenoid were acquired. An anterior labral lesion of the glenoid was created that extended from the 1 o'clock to the 5 o'clock position. Three suture anchors were placed under arthroscopic guidance without the aid of navigation system (Group A) and with the aid of navigation system (Group B). Deviation from the optimal angle of 45° for anchor placement was measured and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The mean insertion angles for anchor placement were 45.9° (SD 3.4°, 40.2°-50.4°) and 41.4° (SD 3.9°, 33.1°-47.6°) in the freehand (Group A) and navigated (Group B) groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). The mean deviation (from the optimal angle) was 4.2° (SD 3.2°, 0.0°-11.9°) and 2.8° (SD 2.2°, 0.2°-8.4°) in the freehand and navigated groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Navigation systems may improve the accuracy of glenoid anchor placement amongst low-volume shoulder surgeons. However, it does not provide any significant advantage over the freehand technique in a plastic shoulder model. Constant multiplanar visualization throughout anchor placement as facilitated by navigation made the procedure more manageable, even for an experienced surgeon.

[Unstable shoulder dislocation]

Shoulder dislocations are a frequent event and the severity is often underestimated. A thorough clinical investigation and adapted imaging diagnostics are able to detect age-dependent injury patterns. A biphasic conservative treatment keeping the arm in a neutral to mild external rotation for 3 weeks has proven to be most effective and should be followed by an intensive physiotherapy. Nevertheless, conservative treatment protocols show unacceptable recurrence rates particularly in young men active in sport, therefore, surgical stabilisation is recommended. In the past open procedures were accepted as the gold standard, but today arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors shows comparable recurrence rates. However, the clinical outcome with respect to the shoulder function is much better without compromising the subscapularis muscle.