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Results From Bankart Repair of Shoulder

This report compares the results of open versus closed (arthroscopic) Bankart repairs for shoulder instability. This operation is used when the patient has a torn labrum. The labrum is a rim of cartilage around the shoulder socket. It helps keep the shoulder from dislocating. Instability is defined as a shoulder that dislocates more than once or dislocates over and over.

In the past, arthroscopic Bankart repairs weren't as good as the open incision method. Newer methods of suture anchor have improved the results. Studies show that patients who have an arthroscopic Bankart repair have equal recurrent rates of instability compared to the open repair.

Instead of comparing instability rates, the authors of this study looked at differences in pain, function, and patient satisfaction to compare the two methods. They describe the surgical procedure used for both methods. One-third of the patients had the open Bankart and two-thirds had the arthroscopic approach. All patients in both groups had traumatic injuries as the cause of the instability.

Results were very similar for both groups. Each group had one patient dislocate more than a year later. Function, motion, and pain were the same between the two groups. Likewise, patient satisfaction was ranked equally between the arthroscopic and open repair groups.

The authors say the results of this study are important because the patients in both groups were equally matched. They all had the same type of injury and were in the same age group. The similarities make it possible to compare results. The data from this study doesn't favor one method of repair over another.

References: Fotios P. Tjoumakaris, MD, et al. Arthroscopic and Open Bankart Repairs Provide Similar Outcomes. In Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. May 2006. No. 446. Pp. 227-232.

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