The Results of Bankart Repair for Anterior Instability of the Shoulder - Arthroscopic versus Open Bankart Procedure -

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare patients with anterior shoulder instability who were treated with an open Bankart procedure with those treated with an arthroscopic procedure, and to evaluate factors influencing the final outcomes and recurrence. Materials & Methods : One hundred seven shoulders underwent open Bankart repair, and fifty-one shoulders were treated arthroscopically. Average followup for open group was 34 months, and for arthroscopy group was 25 months. The Bankart Rating System by Rowe was used to evaluate the clinical outcome of the procedure. And, the patients were asked about any changes concerning their sports and professional activities. Results: According to Bankart Rating system by Rowe, open group had 97% fair to excellent results with 2 recurrent dislocation(1.8%) and 4 recurrent subluxation(3.6%), and arthroscopy group had 94% fair to excellent results with 3 recurrent dislocation(5.8%) and 4 recurrent subluxation(8%). In open group, 9 shoulders(8.4%) had the mild limitation of range of motion at the time of followup, and 2 shoulders(3.9%) in arthroscopy group. Age and gender do not seem to be a significant factor contributing to an increased re-recurrence rate. The incidence of re-recurrence seems to be affected by dominance, frequency, and patient's activity. The size of Bank art lesion might be also considered as a contributing factor. Conclusion: Either open or arthroscopic Bankart procedures are safe and effective methods with acceptable results if an adequate patient's selection, precise surgical technique and proper postoperative care are done. And arthroscopic surgery could be considered if the anterior instability is non-dominant, non-athlete, traumatic unidirectional and Bankart lesion has minimal erosion of the glenoid and it has thick and mobile labrum.