A modification of the Bristow procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and subluxation

A modification of the Bristow procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation and subluxation is presented. This report includes 20 shoulders in 20 patients available for adequate followup operated on by senior author from April 1976 to August 1981. The average follow-up period was 42.5 months (3.5 years). The average age at the time of surgery was 24.7 years. No recurrences were noted in the follow-up period. Complications related to screw fixation with Woodruff screws occurred early in the series in three patients (15%), but did not result in instability. Range of motion measurements postoperatively emphasized quantitation of external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction in the operated as compared to the nonoperated shoulder. The average loss of external rotation was 10.3 degrees. Excluding one poor result, this equated to an average loss of only 7.4 degrees. Fourteen of 16 operated dominant arms (87.5%) returned to throwing and overhead motion sports postoperatively. A description of the operative procedure and postoperative rehabilitation course is included. This modification emphasizes accurate and firm repair of the Bankart lesion under excellent operative exposure allowing institution of early range of motion exercises.