Arthroscopic Repair for Posterior Shoulder Instability

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a consistent arthroscopic stabilization technique for recurrent posterior instability. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive shoulders with symptomatic recurrent posterior instability were treated with arthroscopic repair and evaluated at a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 12 to 67 months). Two patients were excluded because of prior surgery, leaving 32 for further analysis. The mean age was 21.4 years (range, 15 to 33 years). There were 26 male and 6 female patients, and in 59% the dominant shoulder was affected. A known traumatic injury had occurred in 25 (78%), but only 2 (6%) had a documented dislocation. Arthroscopic repair was performed with the patient in the lateral decubitus position through an anterosuperior 12-o'clock viewing portal. Suture anchor repairs were performed in 30 cases and plication to the intact labrum in 4. A sling and derotation wedge were used for 4 weeks, followed by progressive active range of motion, with weight lifting at 3 months and return to contact sports at 6 months. Of the 34 cases, 22 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and had complete preoperative and postoperative shoulder outcome scores. Results: Significant improvement (P = .001) from preoperatively to final follow-up was seen for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, from 68 to 93; Simple Shoulder Test scores, from 9.3 to 11.6; and visual analog scale scores, from 3.5 to 0.8. 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 who underwent arthroscopic posterior stabilization. In this population arthroscopic posterior labral repair and capsular plication provided significant clinical improvement and low rates of recurrent instability and revision surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.