Anterosuperior labrum lesions of the shoulder joint: pathogenesis, arthroscopic treatment, and results

The anterosuperior labrum lesion of the shoulder without biceps anchor involvement is a rare injury, and it is unclear whether the refixation has advantages over resection. We describe the pathophysiology and treatment, and compare the functional outcome of these procedures of refixation and resection in 21 patients (median follow-up 6 months, range 5-16). The labrum was refixated in 11 cases. Clinical evaluation used the Constant score. Synovialitis in the area of the labral tear was detected in all cases. In refixation patients there was a significant postoperative improvement in Constant score (91.5 vs. 70). Débridement showed a greater increase in the Constant score range (92 vs. 48). An anterosuperior labrum lesion without involvement of the biceps anchor is a separate entity. The pathology is the consequence of degenerative labral lesions without loss of stability in the glenohumeral joint. In view of this background and the results of this study refixation of loose labral tears in anterosuperior labral lesions without loss of stability should not considered.