The Putti-Platt operation in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint.

In this prospective follow-up investigation the results in 65 patients treated by the Putti-Platt operation for recurrent dislocation of the glenohumeral joint were analysed. The data was collected at follow-up examinations performed one year after operation and from the replies to a questionnaire distributed to the patients 2--6 years postoperatively. Analysis of the data showed that 95% of the patients considered the condition of the shoulder joint as good or at least as better than preoperatively. During the period of follow-up 23 redislocations occurred and 25% of the patients experienced postoperative pain in the operated shoulder joint. Postoperative limitation of movement of the joint was in general slight and did not hinder normal activities. Owing to the high frequency of redislocation the Putti-Platt operation is not recommended in any event for active sportsmen, since redislocation occurred to a statistically significant extent more often in this group than in other patients.