Staple capsulorrhaphy for recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation or subluxa tion is uncommon but occurs occasionally in athletes Ten patients were treated with a posterior shoulder staple capsulorrhaphy. A posterior Bankhart-type le sion was found in all cases. Eight of the 10 patients had pain relief. The range of motion was usually maintained postoperatively, but no patient returned to his former throwing status. Four patients also had anterior instability. Three patients (30%) had postop erative recurrence of their posterior instability. The two "ligamentous lax" conditions in the series both recurred. The procedure should be supplemented in the "lax" individual. Complications in 4 patients in cluded a painful staple, postoperative adhesions, and symptomatic ectopic bone formation in two patients. Recurrent posterior shoulder dislocation is not a def inite indication for operative repair; patients must be carefully selected.