[Treatment of recurrent post-traumatic anterior-inferior glenohumeral instabilities with the selective capsular shift technique].

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the functional results of treatment with the selective capsular shift technique in patients with recurrent post-traumatic anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability.

METHODS

The study included 16 patients (15 males, 1 female; mean age 30 years; range 25 to 38 years) who underwent selective capsular shift operation for recurrent post-traumatic anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability. Dislocations occurred following severe (n=14) or mild (n=2) trauma. Preoperatively, the mean number of dislocations was 14 (range 4 to 45) and magnetic resonance imaging showed a Bankart lesion in all the patients and a Hill-Sachs lesion in 20%. The patients were evaluated according to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES) and Rowe's scoring for Bankart repair. Preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior and axillary x-rays were obtained from all the patients. Range of motion was measured with a goniometer and manual muscle strength tests were performed. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range 21 to 74 months). Statistical analysis was made using the t-test.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative and postoperative ASES scores differed significantly (63.2 vs 95.8; p<0.05). The mean Rowe score was 92.5 (range 70 to 100). Strength of the infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and subscapularis muscles increased significantly (p<0.05). The results were excellent in 12 patients (75%), good in two patients (12.5%), and fair in two patients. Fifteen patients (93.8%) expressed satisfaction with the operation and results.

CONCLUSION

Addition of the selective capsular shift technique to the Bankart repair procedure improves stability and preserves the range of motion of the glenohumeral joint in patients with anterior-inferior glenohumeral instability accompanied by a Bankart lesion and capsular injury or laxity.