Anterior capsulolabral reconstruction for traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation

The anterior capsulolabral reconstruction (ACLR) has been shown to yield satisfactory results predominantly in overhead athletes with atraumatic anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical results of patients who underwent ACLR for recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. A retrospective review of 41 patients, mean age 29 (range: 16 to 55 years) who underwent ACLR for traumatic recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation was performed. All patients reported a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with subsequent recurrent instability. Seven patients had undergone previous shoulder stabilization surgery which had failed. The mean number of previous dislocations was 4.5 (range: 1 to 15). There were 31 males and 10 females, and the dominant arm was involved in 24 patients. In all cases, the capsulolabral complex was detached from the glenoid rim. The mean follow-up was 3.6 years (range: 15 to 80 months). All patients were evaluated by physical examination. The mean modified Rowe score was 93.6 (range: 65 to 100). There were 32 excellent, 5 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. Instability was eliminated in 38 patients (93%). Of 25 patients who engaged in recreational sports, all were able to return to their previous level of participation. One patient sustained a traumatic redislocation and underwent revision surgery. Two patients reported atraumatic recurrent subluxation with one requiring revision surgery due to persistent symptoms of instability. There was no loss of range of motion in comparison to preoperative values. Of the seven shoulders that had undergone previous surgery, all remain stable. These results indicate that a glenoid-sided capsulolabral reconstruction can restore shoulder stability in patients with recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Success rates comparable to those of other open anterior shoulder repair procedures can be achieved.