Arthroscopic stabilization for traumatic anterior dislocation of the shoulder: Suture anchor fixation versus transglenoid technique

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical results of arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction using arthroscopic transglenoid fixation and a suture anchor fixation for anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Methods. From December 1999 to September 2006, 46 patients who underwent arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction for their anterior dislocation of the shoulder were enrolled, and their surgical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. In group A (26 patients), the procedure was performed with Caspari's transglenoid technique. In group B (20 patients), the capsulolabral reconstruction was done using the suture anchor method. The postoperative assessment including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' (ASES) scores, recurrent instability, the level of return to previous sports activity, and satisfaction with the treatment were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, chi-squared analysis, and a Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. There were significant differences in ASES scores (group A 76.8 vs. group B 85.5), satisfaction with the surgery (group A 6.5 vs. group B 8.2 - out of 10) and in the level of return to previous sports activity (group A 7.2 vs. group B 8.3 - out of 10) at last follow-up. Recurrent instability occurred in 7 patients in group A (26.9%) and in two cases in group B (10.0%). Conclusions. The arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction using a suture anchor was a more reliable treatment option (in regard to satisfaction, functional recovery, and recurrent instability) than the transglenoid fixation technique for anterior dislocation of the shoulder.