Arthroscopic posterior labral repair and capsular shift with a lateralized posterior portal

Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Treatment of Posterior Shoulder Instability

Background:

Arthroscopic treatment of posterior shoulder instability has become more popular and effective in recent years, but few data are available concerning the rate of return to sport.

Purpose:

To present our experiences with arthroscopic posterior labral reconstruction in athletes and review our results, with a particular focus on the rate of return to sport.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Included in the study were 40 arthroscopic stabilizations performed because of posterior shoulder instability in 37 athletes at a single institution. During follow-up, the athletes’ rate of return to sport was calculated. Shoulder function was evaluated based on a pre- versus postoperative comparison of the Rowe instability score and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score. Additionally, the return-to-sport rate was compared among different subgroups: traumatic versus atraumatic origin of injury, competitive versus recreational athletes, high-risk versus low-risk sport, and posterior-only versus anterior and posterior stabilization. Data were statistically analyzed using paired-samples t test and nonparametric Fisher exact test.

Results:

The average follow-up period was 54.4 months (range, 24-112 months). Three shoulders (7.5%) continued to have posterior subluxations postoperatively. There were 34 excellent, 3 good, and 3 fair results based on the Rowe score (average postoperative score, 92.9), and patients achieved an average postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 92.7. The pre- to postoperative improvement was statistically significant in both scoring systems (P < .001). Of the 37 patients, 36 (98.2%) were able to return to sport activity: 27 of them (72.9%) to their original sport and 19 (51.4%) at their preinjury level. A significantly higher rate of return to the same sport occurred in athletes who had traumatic injury compared with a subgroup of athletes without a traumatic event (P < .02).

Conclusion:

More than half of the athletes were able to return to their preinjury level of sport after arthroscopic posterior labral reconstruction. In addition, low recurrence rates and good functional outcomes were seen in >90% of the patients, and 98% returned to sport activity. The athletes had a significantly higher rate of return to sport if their posterior shoulder instability had a clear traumatic origin.

Arthroscopic Repair of a Circumferential 360° Labral Tear

Injuries to the glenoid labrum can result in shoulder instability and pain. These lesions may occur anywhere around the glenoid labrum, and thus, the arthroscopist must be prepared to approach all aspects of the glenoid from multiple angles. The pan-labral or circumferential (360°) tear of the glenoid labrum presents a unique challenge to even the experienced arthroscopist. The extent of the lesion requires the use of accessory portals and percutaneous techniques to establish adequate visualization and to facilitate the proper trajectory for anchor placement. The pan-labral tear also demands intraoperative planning throughout the repair to ensure proper tensioning and alignment of the labrum and capsular tissue. The purposes of this article are to report a technique for repairing a pan-labral lesion and to emphasize the use of accessory portals and percutaneous techniques for complete access to the glenoid.

The "Sublabral Window" in Arthroscopic Posterior Shoulder Instability Surgery: Description of a Technique for Safe Posterior Glenoid Preparation

Arthroscopic posterior labral repairs for posterior shoulder instability can be challenging. Preparation of the capsulolabral tissue and glenoid bony surface is critical. Iatrogenic injury to the articular cartilage and unwarranted truncation of the capsulolabral tissue are concerns during preparation. As a result, several techniques have been described to potentially avoid these complications. We describe an additional technique for improving access and preparing the capsulolabral tissue and glenoid surface through a "sublabral window." This technique approaches the posterior labrum and glenoid through an already established posterior portal and mitigates iatrogenic injury to the labrum and articular cartilage. The technique is rather simple and easily adaptable.