A comparative study of fixation techniques in the open Bankart operation using either a cannulated screw or suture-anchors.

The purpose of this study was to compare fixation using either Mitek suture-anchors or a cannulated screw technique, both applied extracapsularly, for an open Bankart reconstruction. Fifty-five consecutive patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder were operated in two consecutive series. The same surgical technique was applied regardless of group, except for the reattachment method of the capsulolabral complex to the glenoid rim. Patients operated with suture-anchor fixation had better anterior stability, external rotation and functional outcome after a 24-month minimum follow-up. There were no differences between the groups regarding redislocation or subluxation rate.