Handedness-related outcome following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Arthroscopic Bankart repair is a standard procedure for shoulder stabilization, yielding excellent functional outcomes.
• Limited information exists regarding the influence of handedness on postoperative results.
• This study investigates whether the operated shoulder's dominance impacts outcomes after arthroscopic stabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in relation to the operated shoulder's handedness.
• To analyze the influence of sex and age as covariates on these outcomes.
• To determine if handedness is a risk factor in patient recovery after Bankart repair.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective dual-cohort study of 67 patients with traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability.
• Patients underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization for recurrent dislocations.
• Outcomes assessed using the Rowe score, apprehension test, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction, with handedness, sex, and age as variables.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in Rowe scores or apprehension test results between dominant and non-dominant operated shoulders.
• Univariate and multivariate analyses showed no impact of handedness, sex, or age on the Rowe score or apprehension test.
• Self-reported pain and satisfaction (VAS) also showed no handedness-related differences, though sex showed a significant difference (P=.007).

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic Bankart repair for shoulder instability yields similar postoperative outcomes regardless of whether the dominant or non-dominant shoulder is operated on.
• Handedness does not appear to be a significant risk factor influencing patient outcomes after this procedure.
• Orthopedic surgeons can be reassured that handedness does not negatively affect results following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.