Sequential volume reduction with capsular plications: relationship between cumulative size of plications and volumetric reduction for multidirectional instability of the shoulder

Intra-articular temperature monitoring during radiofrequency ablation in ex-vivo bovine hip joints via Fiber Bragg grating sensors

PURPOSE

Radiofrequency ablation is an increasingly used surgical option for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissues in joint arthroscopy. One of the major issues of thermal ablation is the temperature monitoring across the target areas, as cellular mortality is a direct consequence of thermal dosimetry. Temperatures from 45 °C to 50 °C are at risk of damage to chondrocytes. One of the most reliable tools for temperature monitoring is represented by fiber optic sensors, as they allow accurate and real-time temperature measurement via a minimally invasive approach. The aim of this study was to determine, by fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBGs), the safety of radiofrequency ablation in tissue heating applied to ex-vivo bovine hip joints.

METHODS

Ex vivo bovine hips were subjected to radiofrequency ablation, specifically in the acetabular labrum, for a total of two experiments. The WEREWOLF System (Smith + Nephew, Watford, UK) was employed in high operating mode and in a controlled ablation way. One optical fiber embedding seven FBGs was used to record multipoint temperature variations. Each sensor was 1 mm in length with a distance from edge to edge with each other of 2 mm.

RESULTS

The maximum variation was recorded in both the tests by the FBG1 (i.e., the closest one to the electrode tip) and was lower than to 2.8 °C. The other sensors (from FBG2 to FBG7) did not record a significant temperature change throughout the duration of the experiment (maximum up to 0.7 °C for FBG7).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant increase in temperature was observed at any of the seven sites. The sensor nearest to the radiofrequency source exhibited the highest temperature rise, but the variation was only 3 °C. The minimal temperature increase registered at the measurement sites, according to existing literature, is not expected to be cytotoxic. FBGs demonstrate the potential to fulfil the strict requirements for temperature measurements during arthroscopic surgery.

Comprehensive Review of Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder

Multidirectional instability of the shoulder can result from underlying atraumatic laxity, from repetitive microtrauma, or from a traumatic injury and often occurs in association with generalized ligamentous laxity or underlying connective tissue disorders. It is critical to differentiate multidirectional instability from unidirectional instability with or without generalized laxity to maximize treatment success. Although rehabilitation is still considered the primary treatment method for this condition, surgical treatment in the form of open inferior capsular shift or arthroscopic pancapsulolabral plication is indicated if conservative treatment fails. Recent biomechanical and clinical research has shown that there is still room for improvement in the treatment methods offered to this specific patient cohort. Potential treatment options, such as various methods to improve cross-linking of native collagen tissue, electric muscle stimulation to retrain the abnormally functioning dynamic stabilizers of the shoulder, and alternative surgical techniques such as coracohumeral ligament reconstruction and bone-based augmentation procedures, are brought forth in this article as potential avenues to explore in the future.

Delta-Loop-Stitch: Three-Point Fixation for Combined Radial and Tangential Capsular Shift for the Treatment of Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder and Hyperlaxity

Multidirectional shoulder instability and hyperlaxity can be treated with arthroscopic shoulder stabilization and capsular shift. In these patients, the joint capsule often becomes the weak link in terms of pullout strength and cutting through of the used sutures, which can further be compromised by reduced quality of the capsular tissue. The described delta-loop-stitch combines a loop stitch through the capsule with a 3-point-fixation to the intact labrum thus distributing the load and reducing the risk of failure of the fixation. The suture knots are directed under the joint capsule away from the articulating surfaces to reduce the risk of iatrogenic lesions of the articular cartilage. The circumferential application of the delta-loop-stitch allows a sufficient capsular shift that combines a radial and tangential shift and reduction of the overall joint volume that can be adjusted to the patient's individual situation and the surgeon's preference.

Shoulder biomechanics in normal and selected pathological conditions

The stability of the glenohumeral joint depends on soft tissue stabilizers, bone morphology and dynamic stabilizers such as the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendon. Shoulder stabilization techniques include anatomic procedures such as repair of the labrum or restoration of bone loss, but also non-anatomic options such as remplissage or tendon transfers.

Rotator cuff repair should restore the cuff anatomy, reattach the rotator cable and respect the coracoacromial arch whenever possible. Tendon transfer, superior capsular reconstruction or balloon implantation have been proposed for irreparable lesions.

Shoulder rehabilitation should focus on restoring balanced glenohumeral and scapular force couples in order to avoid an upward migration of the humeral head and secondary cuff impingement. The primary goal of cuff repair is to be as anatomic as possible and to create a biomechanically favourable environment for tendon healing.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:508-518. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200006

Rotator interval closure: inconsistent techniques and its association with anterior instability. A literature review

The Rotator interval (RI) is an anatomic space in the anterosuperior part of the glenohumeral joint. An incompetent or lax RI has been implicated in various conditions of shoulder instability and therefore RI has been frequently touted as an area that is important in preserving stability of the shoulder. Biomechanical studies have shown that repair of RI ligamentous and capsular structures decreases glenohumeral joint laxity in various directions. Clinical studies have reported successful outcomes after repair or plication of these structures in patients undergoing shoulder stabilization procedures. Although varieties of methods have been described for its closure, the optimal surgical technique is unclear with various inconsistencies in incorporation of the closure tissue. This in particular makes the analysis of the RI closure very difficult. The purposes of this study are to review the structures of the RI and their contribution to shoulder instability, to discuss the biomechanical and clinical effects of plication of RI structures in particular to anterior glenohumeral instability, to delineate the differences between an arthroscopic and open RI closure. Additionally, we have proposed a new classification system describing various techniques used during RI closure.

Intra-articular Volume Reduction With Arthroscopic Plication for Capsular Laxity of the Hip: A Cadaveric Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques

PURPOSE

To compare intracapsular volume reduction between interportal capsular shift and T-capsulotomy plication in a cadaveric model.

METHODS

Twelve pair-matched specimens were randomized into T-capsulotomy plication or interportal capsular shift. T-capsulotomy was performed using a 2-cm interportal and 2-cm bisecting, longitudinal limb to the intertrochanteric line. Plication was performed utilizing 5-mm bites on either side of the capsulotomy with arthroscopic knot tying technique standard alternating half hitches. Pair-matched interportal capsular shift specimens underwent 5-cm interportal capsulotomy, and capsular shift was performed utilizing 5 nonabsorbable sutures placed in 45° orientation at 5 mm from the capsulotomy margin. With each specimen in a position of slight flexion and adduction, a spinal needle was used to inject methylene blue-colored saline solution intra-articularly; the volcano method was used to measure capsular volume before and after each respective plication technique. Mean absolute volumes and relative volumetric reduction for each technique were quantified and compared to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences in capsular volume between pair-matched specimens (T-capsulotomy plication, 42.5 ± 5.1 mL; interportal capsular shift, 45.0 ± 88.6 mL; P = .555). After capsulotomy and secondary plication, both the T-capsulotomy (post: mean = 32.5 ± 8.0 mL; P < .001) and interportal capsulotomy groups (post: mean = 29.4 ± 10.0; P < .0001) demonstrated significant decreases in capsular volume, with average reductions of 10.0 ± 3.3 mL and 15.6 ± 3.2 mL, respectively. Although the interportal capsular shift (35.9% ± 11.3%) demonstrated greater volumetric reduction relative to baseline when compared with the T-capsular plication (24.5% ± 10.8%), these results were not significant (P = .104).

CONCLUSIONS

Both T-capsular plication and interportal capsular shift produce statistically significant reductions in overall hip capsular volume. Although the interportal capsular shift may generate modestly higher degrees of capsular reduction, the comparative biomechanical repercussions of each technique are not currently known.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Irrespective of arthroscopic technique, capsular plication with 5-mm bites decreases capsular volume by approximately one-third to one-fourth that of baseline measures.

Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder: Treatment Options and Considerations

Multidirectional instability (MDI) is a debilitating condition that involves chronic subluxation or dislocation of the shoulder in >1 direction. Numerous proposed mechanisms of MDI exist, which occurs in the setting of redundant capsular tissue. Symptoms can range from recurrent dislocations or subluxations to vague aching pain that disrupts activities of daily living. Magnetic resonance imaging is often performed during evaluation of this condition, although magnetic resonance arthrography may provide more detailed images of the patulous capsule. In the absence of a well-defined traumatic cause, such as a labral tear, initial treatment for MDI is a structured rehabilitation program with exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff and periscapular muscles to improve scapular kinematics. Patients with recalcitrant symptoms may benefit from surgical stabilization, including open capsular shift or arthroscopic capsular plication, aimed at decreasing capsular volume and improving stability.

What Are the Effects of Capsular Plication on Translational Laxity of the Glenohumeral Joint: A Study in Cadaveric Shoulders

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment for shoulder instability generally involves labral repair with a capsular plication or imbrication. Good results are reported in both open and arthroscopic procedures, but there is no consensus on the amount or location of capsular plication that is needed to achieve stability and anatomic anterior, posterior, and inferior translation of the joint.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) What are the separate and combined effects of increasing plication magnitude and sequential additive plications in the anterior, posterior, and inferior locations of the joint capsule on glenohumeral joint translation in the anterior, posterior, and inferior directions? (2) What plication location and magnitude restores anterior, posterior, and inferior translation to a baseline level?

METHODS

Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were dissected down to the glenohumeral capsule and underwent instrumented biomechanical testing. Each shoulder was loaded with 22 N in anterior, posterior, and inferior directions at 60° abduction and neutral rotation and flexion and the resulting translation were recorded. Testing was done over baseline (native), stretched (mechanically stretched capsule to imitate a lax capsule), and 5-mm, 10-mm, and 15-mm plication conditions. Individually, for each of the 5-, 10-, and 15-mm increments, plications were done in a fixed sequential order starting with anterior plication at the 3 o'clock position (Sequence I), then adding posterior plication at the 9 o'clock position (Sequence II), and then adding inferior plication at the 6 o'clock position (Sequence III). Each individual sequence was tested by placing 44 N (10 pounds) of manual force on the humerus directed in an anterior, posterior, and inferior direction to simulate clinical load and shift testing. The effect of plication magnitude and sequence on translation was tested with generalized estimating equation models. Translational differences between conditions were tested with paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Translational laxity was highest with creation of the lax condition, as expected. Increasing plication magnitude had a significant effect on all three directions of translation. Plication location sequence had a significant effect on anterior and posterior translation. An interaction effect between plication magnitude and sequence was significant in anterior and posterior translation. Laxity in all directions was most restricted with 15-mm plication in anterior, posterior, and inferior locations. For anterior translational laxity, at 10-mm and 15-mm plication, there was a progressive decrease in translation magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: 0.29 mm, plus inferior, -0.12 mm; and for 15-mm anterior only: -0.53 mm, plus posterior: -1.00 mm, plus inferior: -1.66 mm). For posterior translational laxity, 10-mm and 15-mm plication also showed progressive decrease in magnitude (10-mm plication anterior only: 0.46 mm, plus posterior: -0.25 mm, plus inferior: -1.94; and for 15-mm anterior only: 0.14 mm, plus posterior: -1.54 mm, plus inferior: -3.66). For inferior translational laxity, tightening was observed only with magnitude of plication (anterior only at 5 mm: 0.31 mm, at 10 mm: -1.39, at 15 mm: -3.61) but not with additional plication points (adding posterior and inferior sequences). To restore laxity closest to baseline, 10-mm AP/inferior plication best restored anterior translation, 15-mm anterior plication best restored posterior translation, and 5 mm posterior with or without inferior plication best restored inferior translation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that (1) a 10-mm plication in the anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior positions may restore anterior translation closest to baseline; (2) 10-mm anterior and posterior or 15-mm anterior plications may restore posterior translation closest to baseline; and (3) 5-mm anterior and posterior or anterior, posterior, and inferior plications may restore inferior translation closest to baseline. Future studies using arthroscopic techniques for plication or open techniques via a true surgical approach might further characterize the effect of plication on glenohumeral translation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study found that specific combinations of plication magnitude and location can be used to restore glenohumeral translation from a lax capsular state to a native state. This information can be used to guide surgical technique based on an individual patient's degree and direction of capsular laxity. In vivo testing of glenohumeral translation before and after capsular plication will be needed to validate these cadaveric results.

Glenohumeral Instability Related to Special Conditions: SLAP Tears, Pan-labral Tears, and Multidirectional Instability

Glenohumeral instability is one of the more common conditions seen by sports medicine physicians, especially in young, active athletes. The associated anatomy of the glenohumeral joint (the shallow nature of the glenoid and the increased motion it allows) make the shoulder more prone to instability events as compared with other joints. Although traumatic dislocations or instability events associated with acute labral tears (ie, Bankart lesions) are well described in the literature, there exists other special shoulder conditions that are also associated with shoulder instability: superior labrum anterior/posterior (SLAP) tears, pan-labral tears, and multidirectional instability. SLAP tears can be difficult to diagnose and arthroscopic diagnosis remains the gold standard. Surgical treatment as ranged from repair to biceps tenodesis with varying reports of success. Along the spectrum of SLAP tears, pan-labral tears consist of 360-degree injuries to the labrum. Patients can present complaining of either anterior or posterior instability alone, making the physical examination and advanced imaging a crucial component of the work up of the patients. Arthroscopic labral repair remains a good initial option for surgical treatment of these conditions. Multidirectional instability remains one of the more difficult conditions for the sports medicine physician to diagnose and treat. Symptoms may only be reported as vague pain versus frank instability making the diagnoses particularly challenging, especially in a patient with overall joint laxity. Conservative management to include physical therapy is the mainstay initial treatment in patients without an identifiable structural abnormality. Surgical management of this condition has evolved from open to arthroscopic capsular shifts with comparable results.

Medial Posterior Capsular Plication Reduces Anterior Shoulder Instability Similar to Remplissage Without Restricting Motion in the Setting of an Engaging Hill-Sachs Defect

BACKGROUND

Numerous surgical options for the management of engaging Hill-Sachs lesions exist, of which remplissage has emerged as one of the most popular arthroscopic techniques. Remplissage is not without disadvantages, however, and has been demonstrated to potentially result in a loss of external rotation (ER) due to nonanatomic tethering of the infraspinatus tendon and a potential decrease in infraspinatus strength clinically.

PURPOSE

The efficacy of posterior medial capsular plication in addition to Bankart repair was examined as an arthroscopic management strategy for an engaging Hill-Sachs defect.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders were utilized for the study. After testing baseline translation and motion, 30% Hill-Sachs lesions were created in each specimen. Three experimental groups were assembled: (1) isolated Bankart repair (HSD), (2) Bankart repair with remplissage (RM), and (3) Bankart repair with posterior medial capsular plication (PL). Biomechanical testing was performed to determine anterior translation, range of motion, and Hill-Sachs engagement. Translation and motion measurements were normalized to the baseline laxity values for each specimen.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in anterior translation was noted at 60° of abduction and 60° of ER for both the PL and RM groups compared with the HSD group throughout most of the joint loads tested ( P < .05), but no significant differences were noted between the PL and RM groups at any load. The RM group had significantly less normalized ER at 60° of abduction compared with the HSD and PL groups ( P < .05). There were no differences in internal rotation between the groups. All 8 specimens in the HSD group engaged, while no specimens in the RM and PL groups engaged ( P < .001).

CONCLUSION

In a cadaveric model, medial posterior capsular plication as an adjunct to Bankart repair offers similar resistance to anterior translation and Hill-Sachs engagement as compared with remplissage in the setting of an engaging Hill-Sachs defect. Medial posterior capsular plication results in less restriction of ER compared with remplissage without any significant limitation of internal rotation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Posterior medial capsular plication reduces translation and engagement similarly to remplissage, without any restriction in motion.

Arthroscopic plication for multidirectional instability: 50 patients with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Treatment of patients who have not improved after physiotherapy for multidirectional instability (MDI) remains challenging, with no agreed best practice. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether arthroscopic plication is safe and effective for these patients.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients who had not improved after at least 6 months of specialized shoulder physiotherapy for symptomatic MDI and no labral lesion at arthroscopy underwent arthroscopic plication between 2006 and 2013. Outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative Oxford Instability Scores (OIS), recurrence of instability, return to work and sport, surgical complications, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The study comprised 32 male and 18 female patients, with a mean age of 26 years (range, 16-46 years). Complete OISs were available in 43 of 50 patients, and 41 patients had good or excellent postoperative OIS. The mean OIS was 16.2 preoperatively compared with 42.5 postoperatively (P < .001). There was no difference in OIS improvement between male and female patients (P = .962) or in those aged younger than 25 years vs. older than 25 years (P = .789). Patients with Beighton scores of 4 to 9 showed smaller OIS improvement (P = .030) and were less likely to achieve excellent postoperative OISs (P = .010). There were 2 patients with recurrent instability. All patients successfully returned to work, and 45 of 50 patients returned to the same level of sport. Surgical complications were shoulder stiffness in 1 patient that resolved with physiotherapy and 1 superficial wound infection that was successfully treated with flucloxacillin. Forty-seven of 50 patients were satisfied.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic plication is a safe and effective treatment for MDI in patients without labral lesions who have not improved after 6 months of specialized shoulder physiotherapy.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair: Have we finally reached a gold standard?

Traditionally, surgical stabilization of the unstable shoulder has been performed through an open incision. Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors is now widely considered the treatment of choice for anterior shoulder instability in patients who have failed conservative management. Many different factors have now been elucidated for adequate treatment of glenohumeral instability. Because of technical advances in instability repair combined with an increased understanding of factors that lead to recurrent instability, the outcomes following arthroscopic Bankart repair have significantly improved and approach those of open techniques.

Multidirectional Instability of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To analyze outcomes of surgical and conservative treatment options for multidirectional instability (MDI).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases using various combinations of the keywords "shoulder," "multidirectional instability," "dislocation," "inferior instability," "capsulorrhaphy," "capsular plication," "capsular shift," "glenoid," "humeral head," "surgery," and "glenohumeral," over the years 1966 to 2014 was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles describing patients with open capsular shift, arthroscopic treatment, and conservative or combined management in the setting of atraumatic MDI of the shoulder were included. A total of 861 shoulders in 790 patients was included. The median age was 24.3 years, ranging from 9 to 56 years. The dominant side was involved in 269 (58%) of 468 shoulders, whereas the nondominant side was involved in 199 (42%) shoulders. Patients were assessed at a median follow-up period of 4.2 years (ranging from 9 months to 16 years). Fifty-two of 253 (21%) patients undergoing physiotherapy required surgical intervention for MDI management, whereas the overall occurrence of redislocation was seen in 61 of 608 (10%) shoulders undergoing surgical procedures. The redislocation event occurred in 17 of 226 (7.5%) shoulders with open capsular shift management, in 21 of 268 (7.8%) shoulders with arthroscopic plication management, in 12 of 49 (24.5%) shoulders undergoing arthroscopic thermal shrinkage, and in 11 of 55 (22%) shoulders undergoing arthroscopic laser-assisted capsulorrhaphy.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic capsular plication and open capsular shift are the best surgical procedures for treatment of MDI after failure of rehabilitative management. Arthroscopic capsular plication shows results comparable to open capsular shift.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level I to IV studies.

Effect of radiofrequency use on hip arthroscopy irrigation fluid temperature

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine operating parameters for joint fluid lavage using radiofrequency (RF) in maintaining intra-articular temperatures ≤50°C in the hip joint and to then quantify the influence of flow rate on maintaining safe intra-articular temperatures.

METHODS

Fiberoptic intra-articular thermometers at radial distance intervals of 1, 2, 5, and 10 mm, spanning cross-sectional areas of 3.14, 12.56, 78.5, and 314.1 mm(2), respectively, from the RF probe were used in 3 human hip cadaveric specimens at room temperature, with 9 trials per variable, using a 3-portal technique with a capsule release. Using a new Dyonics RF System continuously at the superior capsulolabral junction for 90 seconds, continuous temperatures were recorded at 50 mm Hg inflow and variable outflow intervals: no flow and 5, 15, and 30 seconds. Lavages were 1 second in duration on suction. Statistical comparison was through multivariate regression analysis and a logistic model.

RESULTS

Temperatures reached ≥50°C at 5-mm radial distance from the probe in all but the 5-second pulse lavage group. Elevated temperatures were reached within 1 to 2 seconds locally (1- to 2-mm radial distance) and at a radial distance of 5 mm in the 15-, 30-, and 0-second lavage groups. Logistic regression revealed a reduction in the odds that temperatures ≥50°C will occur as flow frequency increases every 30 (odds ratio = 0.68, P = .086); 15 (odds ratio = -1.22, P = .0067); and 5 (odds ratio = -4.26, P < .0001) seconds.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing-interval pulsed irrigation is effective in maintaining intra-articular temperature profiles below 50°C during use of continuous RF ablation. Five-second-interval pulsed lavage is the longest flow interval identified during which fluid 5 mm radially from the RF device never reached temperatures >50°C.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinical guidelines for using the RF ablation include: meticulous technique, intermittent use, good inflow and outflow, and pulsed lavage at frequent intervals.

Open capsular shift and arthroscopic capsular plication for treatment of multidirectional instability

PURPOSE

To compare the results of open inferior capsular shift with arthroscopic capsular plication for multidirectional instability in patients without a Bankart lesion. We hypothesized that there is no difference with regard to the specific clinical outcomes evaluated, including recurrent instability, range of motion, return to sport, and complications.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search. Databases searched included PubMed from 1966 to 2010, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Controlled Trials, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) from 1982 to 2010, and SPORTDiscus from 1975 to 2010. Limits included English language, human subjects, and title.

RESULTS

We found 7 articles with a total of 197 patients (219 shoulders) that met our inclusion criteria. The data did not clearly show open treatment to be superior to arthroscopic treatment. No study reported a consistent loss of greater than 40° of external rotation. No technique showed significantly less external rotation loss over the other. Whereas there was a slight trend toward increased return to sport for patients treated arthroscopically, no clear conclusion can be drawn given the variability of reporting in the reviewed studies. Analysis of complications shows that both procedures are reliably safe with minimal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

When one is evaluating patients with traumatic or atraumatic onset of shoulder instability in 2 directions and no structural lesions, arthroscopic capsular plication yields comparable results to open capsular shift with regard to recurrent instability, return to sport, loss of external rotation, and overall complications.

Arthroscopic inferior capsular shift: long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Neer and Foster's open inferior capsular shift to treat acquired cases of anteroinferior shoulder instability due to an overstretched and redundant capsule is described with good results. Recently, new arthroscopic techniques were described to manage this problem.

PURPOSE

To assess the results of a new arthroscopic reinforced inferior capsular shift technique based on Neer and Foster's open inferior capsular shift.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

This new technique of arthroscopic inferior capsular shift was used to treat 108 patients with anteroinferior shoulder instability due to capsular redundancy as confirmed clinically and during arthroscopy. It reduces the size of the redundant capsular pouch and reinforces the thinned-out capsule. Intraoperatively, patients with associated labral tears (n = 25) and patients with open rotator intervals (n = 8) were excluded, and only 75 patients with pure capsular redundancy were included in this study.

RESULTS

Patients were followed for a minimum of 7 years. All 75 patients had patulous and redundant capsules. Three patients (4.0%) had a redislocation after a significant trauma. The range of motion preoperatively was 168.1° ± 7.5° in forward elevation, 64.7° ± 7.9° in external rotation, and T5.0 ± T0.8 in internal rotation. Postoperatively, it was 167.2° ± 5.8° in forward elevation, 59.95° ± 4.9° in external rotation, and T7.1 ± T1.0 in internal rotation. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) (70.76 to 97.53; P < .001), Constant (90.02 to 99.24; P < .001), and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) (21.97 to 33.84; P < .001) scores demonstrated significant improvement postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This novel technique of arthroscopic capsular shift addresses the problem of capsular redundancy present in many cases of anteroinferior shoulder instability. It tries to achieve a capsular shift based on the principles of Neer. The long-term results are very good.