Glenohumeral osteoarthrosis after Putti-Platt repair

The Putti-Platt capsulorraphy for recurrent anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint was performed in 139 shoulders between 1955 and 1985. Sixty-six (46%) operated shoulders were studied with a mean follow-up period of 22 years (range 10 to 40 years). There were 52 shoulders of men and 14 shoulders of women; 45% of the shoulders were on the dominant side. Two patients underwent surgery on both shoulders. The average age of the patients was 49.3 years (range 33 to 74 years). Evaluation was based on patient history and the results of physical examination and radiography. The redislocation rate was low (only 3%), and 71% of the patients did not have pain, strength loss, stiffness, or instability in the operated shoulder. Radiographs were made of all shoulders, including the nonoperated shoulders. Osteoarthrotic changes of the glenohumeral joint were found in 40 (61%) shoulders. Arthrosis was mild in 23 (35%) shoulders, moderate in 13 (20%) shoulders, and severe in 4 (6%) shoulders. The rate of glenohumeral arthrosis is increased in patients who have undergone a Putti-Platt procedure and is positively correlated with the length of time since surgery. No correlation was found in this study between external rotation at 6 months after operation and the development of glenohumeral arthrosis. The number of dislocations before operation was correlated with the severity of arthrosis but not with its incidence.