Arthroscopic approach to acute bony Bankart lesion.

PURPOSE: To report on an arthroscopic approach to a bony Bankart lesion that uses a modified Bankart technique to fix the avulsed bone fragment to the healthy glenoid.

TYPE OF STUDY: Case series study.

METHODS

Of 250 patients who received surgical treatment for shoulder dislocation at our unit, 25 sport-practicing patients with acute traumatic dislocation of the shoulder and anterior glenoid rim fracture were included in this study. Inclusion criteria were bony Bankart lesions less than 3 months old and involving less than 25% of the glenoid, absence of associated lesions, and follow-up longer than 2 years. Arthroscopic procedures were performed using a modified Bankart technique to fix the avulsed bone fragment to the healthy glenoid rim using suture anchors. A modified Rowe score was devised for evaluating range of motion outcomes.

RESULTS

Shoulder function and stability were restored in 23 patients (92%) by 2 years after surgery. There was no recurrence of instability. Range of motion was minimally reduced. All patients resumed sports activities: 23 (92%) at the same level of performance as before surgery and 2 (8%) at a lower level because of 20 degrees loss of external rotation.

CONCLUSIONS

This arthroscopic technique seems to offer an optimal method for evaluating and treating isolated acute bony Bankart lesions involving less than 25% of the glenoid.