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Suture capsulorrhaphy versus capsulolabral advancement for shoulder instability
Andrew D Kersten1, Meredith Fabing, Scott Ensminger
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073, USA.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to test the strength of a suture capsulorrhaphy repair versus a capsulolabral repair with knotless suture anchors in a cadaveric model with anteroinferior shoulder instability.
Methods:
Fourteen cadaveric shoulders were tested with either a suture capsulorrhaphy to the intact labrum or a capsulolabral advancement using a knotless suture anchor into the glenoid. Specimens were translated with the shoulder in an abducted, externally rotated position to failure.
Results:
The capsulolabral advancement showed a significantly higher load to failure than did the suture capsulorrhaphy group (P = .030).
Conclusions:
Capsulolabral advancement with suture anchors may offer greater initial strength when compared with a suture capsulorrhaphy. In the setting of shoulder instability without evidence of a labral tear, the capsulolabral advancement technique may be considered biomechanically superior.
Clinical Relevance:
In the setting of shoulder instability due to capsular insufficiency, the capsulolabral advancement may be considered biomechanically superior to a traditional suture capsulorrhaphy.