Radiological and clinical outcome of arthroscopic labral repair with all-suture anchors

The aim of this study was to assess radiological and clinical outcome after arthroscopic all--suture anchor labral repair.

20 patients treated for anterior and superior labral instability (mean age 29, range 14-51 years) were assessed at a minimum follow-up time of 1 year (mean 19 months ; range, 12-28 months). Postoperative MRI scans were assessed by 3 independent radiologists. The radiological appearance of bone at the anchor-site was judged by the presence of cyst formation, tunnel widening (> 2 mm) or bone edema. Clinical outcome analysis included standard follow-up and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH), Constant Shoulder score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI).

All patients were available for follow-up. In total, 58 all-suture anchors were implanted. None of the patients displayed large cyst formation. Small cysts were found in two patients (2 anchors). Tunnel widening was apparent in 3 patients (3 anchors) with an average widening of 3.3 mm (range 3-4 mm). Bone edema at the anchor-site was seen in 6 patients (8 anchors). The remaining 9 patients (45 anchors) did not display reactive bone changes. Clinical outcomes showed a WOSI of 70.6, a DASH of 18.9 and a Constant score of 89.3, and no recurrence of instability.

Satisfying radiological and clinical outcome was observed after arthroscopic instability surgery using all-suture anchors. Imaging revealed good labral healing without important bony reactions or the formation of large cysts at early follow-up. Level of evidence : IV Case series.