Open anterior repair without routine capsulorraphy for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in a community setting

Anterior shoulder instability repairs often are performed but rarely reported in community practices. This study assessed outcomes after open anterior repairs without routine capsulorraphy by a community surgeon. Repairs were performed in 64 consecutive shoulders; patient self-assessment questionnaires were mailed to all patients after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Eighty-three percent reported excellent or good modified Rowe scores at mean follow-up of 5 years. Patients who reported 100% elevation had better outcomes than those who did not report 100% elevation, whereas patients who reported 100% external or internal rotation had comparable outcomes to patients who did not report 100% rotation. Open anterior repair without routine capsulorraphy yielded good outcomes in this community setting.