Arthroscopic stabilization of the shoulder: a prospective randomized study of absorbable versus nonabsorbable suture anchors.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, prospectively, outcomes following arthroscopic Bankart repair performed with 2 types of suture anchor--the G II (DePuy Mitek, Raynham, MA) nonabsorbable anchor and the Panalok (DePuy Mitek) absorbable anchor.

METHODS

Patients with a diagnosis of recurrent traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder who were seen in a single unit between April of 2000 and June of 2003 were considered for inclusion in the study. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by means of a subjective, patient-related outcome measurement tool (Oxford Instability Score), a visual analogue scale for pain and instability (VAS Pain and VAS Instability), and a quality-of-life questionnaire (Short Form-12 [SF-12]). Length of follow-up was 1.5 to 5 years (mean, 2.6 y). The incidence of recurrent instability and the level of sporting ability were recorded. Patients were randomized to undergo surgical repair with nonabsorbable or absorbable anchors.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were included in this study, of whom 6 were lost to follow-up; therefore 124 patients (95%) completed the study. Both types of anchor were highly effective. No differences in rate of recurrence or in any of the scores were noted between the 2 groups. In all, 4 patients in the nonabsorbable group and 3 in the absorbable group experienced additional episodes of dislocation after a traumatic event. Rate of redislocation in the whole series was therefore 6%. In addition, 4 patients, all of them from the absorbable group (4%), described ongoing symptoms of instability but no true dislocations. In all, 85% of the patient group have returned to their previous level of sporting activity.

CONCLUSIONS

No differences in outcomes of arthroscopic Bankart repair were seen whether absorbable or nonabsorbable anchors were used. Both are highly effective, with a redislocation rate of 6%.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic randomized controlled trial.