Arthroscopic Repair for Posterior Shoulder Instability: Case series and surgical outcome

PURPOSE: This study evaluates outcomes of a consistent arthroscopic stabilization technique for recurrent posterior instability. METHODS: 79 shoulders with symptomatic posterior instability treated with arthroscopic repair and evaluated at a follow-up of 36 months. The mean age was 25.4 years of which 66 males and 13 females, and in 75% the dominant shoulder was affected. A known traumatic injury had occurred in 80%, with 25% having a documented dislocation. Arthroscopic repair was performed through an anterosuperior 12 O’clock viewing portal. Suture anchor repairs were performed in 60 cases and plication to the intact labrum in 19. A shoulder immobilizer was used for 4 weeks, followed by progressive range of motion, weightlifting at 3 months and return to contact sports at 6 months. The 79 cases had complete pre-op and post-op shoulder outcome scores. RESULTS: Significant improvement from preoperatively to final follow-up was seen for ASES scores, from 58 to 93. All patients returned to their previous level of athletic activity. Two patients reported postoperative instability; none required reoperation. There were no other postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a consecutive series of patients with recurrent posterior instability undergoing arthroscopic posterior stabilization. In this population arthroscopic posterior labral repair and capsular plication provided significant clinical improvement with low recurrence and revision rate.