Absorbable implants for open shoulder stabilization: a clinical and serial radiographic evaluation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Recurrent, unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability is a common orthopedic condition.
• The open Bankart technique is a surgical option for addressing shoulder instability.
• Absorbable suture anchors are utilized in this technique to promote healing and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and radiographic outcomes of the open Bankart technique with absorbable suture anchors for post-traumatic shoulder instability.
• To assess the rate of redislocation and patient-reported outcomes.
• To monitor for degenerative changes and the healing of drill holes over time.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen patients with recurrent, unidirectional, post-traumatic shoulder instability underwent a standardized open Bankart procedure.
• Absorbable suture anchors were used for the repair.
• Patients were followed for an average of 31 months, with clinical assessments and radiographic evaluations.

Main Results:

• No redislocations occurred during the follow-up period.
• High Rowe and Constant scores were reported, indicating good functional outcomes.
• Radiographs revealed increasing degenerative changes in most patients over time, with visible or cystic drill holes noted at anchor sites.

Conclusions:

• The open Bankart technique with absorbable suture anchors provides shoulder stability in the majority of patients.
• A significant proportion of patients experienced progressive radiographic degenerative changes.
• Drill holes from suture anchors showed limited healing and were visible in a substantial number of patients throughout the follow-up period.