Arthroscopic Stabilisation of Post-traumatic Ventral Instability of the Shoulder by Use of Bioknotless Anchors

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Post-traumatic ventral shoulder instability is a frequent disorder resulting from ventral and caudal dislocation of the humeral head. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the long-term results of arthroscopy-assisted reinsertion of the ventral labrum using absorbable bioknotless suture anchors. MATERIAL AND METHODS A group of 129 patients with unidirectional ventral instability of the shoulder was evaluated for the results of treatment involving labrum reinsertion with use of absorbable bio-knotless anchors. This arthroscopy-assisted method is performed from two minimal incisions, with the patient in a beach-chair position. The shoulder rating scale of Rowe and Zarins was used to compare the pre-operative status with the treatment outcomes during follow-up ranging from 12 months to 5 years. RESULTS Return to the pre-injury level of activities was recorded in 93.8 % of the patients. The methods failed and dislocation recurred in 4.6 % of the patients. These underwent repeat surgery with the same technique and implants. DISCUSSION Arthroscopy-assisted stabilisation of the shoulder is a minimally invasive technique allowing for anatomically exact and complete treatment of traumatic injury to the intra-articular structures. It results in faster convalescence and provides better results than open methods. It requires short hospital stay and is performed as one-day surgery in our department; consequently, the costs of care for one patient are reduced. The use of absorbable suture anchors permits reimplantation of other anchors, either when suture material at primary stabilisation fails or at a potential repeat operation. The cosmetic effect of only two minimal incisions also plays a role. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic labrum repair with absorbable knotless anchors is, after a perfect mastering of the surgical technique, an effective treatment and, based on the results achieved, also the method of choice used at our department for managing labral lesions caused by traumatic unidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint.