Arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

Beginning in 1983, the principles of staple capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder utilizing arthroscopic techniques were applied to the treatment of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. This paper describes the results of arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder in the first 25 consecutive cases in which these techniques were utilized. The patient population includes 4 females and 19 males, 2 of whom underwent bilateral staged procedures. Eleven of the patients had documented recurrent anterior dislocations while the remaining 12 patients were determined to have subluxation of the shoulder. The average age of the patient population was 23 years. Follow-up averaged 36 months. Results were determined by utilizing a strict 100 point rating scale as described by Rowe. Utilizing this scale, 67% of patients achieved good or excellent results. Five patients came to undergo additional surgical procedures. There were no complications of infection or neurovascular injury, but one patient suffered staple impingement upon the humeral head leading to excoriation thereof and secondary pain. An average loss of external rotation of 9 degrees, as compared to the contralateral shoulder, was noted postoperatively.