All-suture anchors versus metal suture anchors in the arthroscopic treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability: A comparison of mid-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare metal suture anchors and all-suture anchors clinically and radiologically in arthroscopic Bankart repair. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 67 patients (61 males, 6 females; mean age 26.0±5.8; range, 18 to 43 years) who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair between April 2009 and October 2016 were divided into two groups depending on the type of the suture anchor used in different periods. Group A comprised 32 patients with arthroscopic Bankart repair performed with metal suture anchors, and Group B comprised 35 patients with arthroscopic Bankart repair performed with all-suture anchors. The patients were clinically evaluated using Rowe scores, Constant scores, redislocation rates, and positive apprehension test rates. Radiographic evaluation was performed using the Samilson-Prieto classification to observe the development of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 41.1±10.4 (range, 30 to 60) months in Group A, and 39.6±9.4 (range, 28 to 60) months in Group B, with no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.559). No significant difference was observed between Group A and Group B in terms of mean Rowe score (89.2±13.8 [range, 40 to 100] vs. 88.7±16.9 [range, 25 to 100]; p=0.895) or Constant score (87.2±8.9 [range, 48 to 96] vs. 86.9±9.0 [range, 46 to 96]; p=0.878), which were the clinical outcomes at the final follow-up examination. Postoperative redislocation rates (3.1% vs. 2.9%, p=1.0) and positive apprehension test rates (6.3% vs. 8.6%, p=1.0) were found to be similar in both groups. According to the Samilson-Prieto classification, there was no evidence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis in any of the patients in either group. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory outcomes were obtained with the use of all-suture anchors in arthroscopic Bankart repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability. All-suture anchors and metal suture anchors, have similar outcomes in the mid-term and all-suture anchors are a reliable and effective option for arthroscopic Bankart repair.