To Evaluate the Functional Outcome of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair For Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability with the Use of Suture Anchors

Arthroscopic Bankart repair has become increasingly popular as a method for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability. The basis for this enthusiasm has been the impression that it is a less morbid surgical alternative to open repair.

This study aims to evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic Bankart repair in persons with traumatic anterior shoulder instability using suture anchors, in cases that were followed up for at least 2 years from the date of surgery.

This was series of 20 shoulders in 20 persons who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair using suture anchors. The patients were assessed with two outcome measurements, i.e. scale of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA scale) and simple shoulder test (SST) score. The recurrence rate, range of motion and postoperative functions were evaluated.

The two shoulder scores significantly improved after surgery (P-values < 0.05). According to the UCLA scale, 11 shoulders (55%) had excellent score, 7 (35%) had good score, one shoulder (5%) had a fair score and one (5%) had poor score. All 12 components of SST showed improvement, which was statistically significant. The mean time of return to activity in sportsmen was 8.5 months. Overall, the rate of post-operative recurrences was 10%. There was no loss of external rotation range of motion post-operatively.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchor is an effective treatment method for traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder instability.