Arthroscopic Treatment of First-Time Shoulder Dislocations in Younger Athletes

The glenohumeral joint is characterized by its large degree of movement and consequently is the most susceptible joint to dislocations. There are few studies on the first episode of a shoulder dislocation in younger athletes.

To report the results of arthroscopic treatment for the first episode of a glenohumeral dislocation in younger athletes.

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

In this retrospective study, 53 patients younger than 40 years (N = 54 shoulders) sustained their first anterior shoulder dislocation and underwent arthroscopic surgery. Surgery was undertaken in the lateral decubitus position. Standard posterior, anteroinferior, and anterosuperior portals were used, and the number of anchors and the degree of capsular plication were individualized and based on the arthroscopic findings of each patient. The minimum follow-up was 2 years (mean, 2.31 years), and patients were evaluated with the Rowe functional score, Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale (EROE; acronym in Portuguese), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain.

The mean EROE score was 93.8, with 98% of results being good or excellent, and the mean Rowe score was 95.0, with 98% good or excellent results. The mean VAS pain score was <1.0. The rate of recurrence of dislocations was 2%. The return-to-sports rate was 83%; patients with associated superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions had a lower return-to-sports rate (P = .001) and lower EROE (P = .017) and Rowe (P = .019) scores.

The present study showed favorable results for arthroscopic surgical treatment after the first dislocation episode in young athletes. It was an effective and safe treatment option in this population.