Arthroscopic Repair of a 360° Labrum and Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear After Shoulder Dislocation

Rotator cuff tears after anterior shoulder instability are more common in patients >40 years of age and rare in younger patients where shoulder instability is most common. Although infrequent, little data exist on the evaluation of combined labral and rotator cuff tears in athletes.

Combined rotator cuff and labral tears in the young patient population have a high risk of recurrent instability and require unique intraoperative and postoperative considerations. This patient is a Division 1 collegiate wrestler who sustained a 360° labral and full-thickness rotator cuff tear after an acute traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

The lateral decubitus position is utilized and a posterior viewing portal is established along with anterior and accessory lateral portals. The 360° labral tear is first addressed by appropriately preparing the glenoid creating a quality healing surface. Tape sutures are then utilized to perform a knotless anterior labral repair. The superior labrum, anterior to posterior (SLAP) and then posterior labral repair are sequentially performed. The posterior portal is closed with a polydioxanone (PDS) suture to prevent a stress riser in the capsule. The rotator cuff tear is then repaired in a knotless double row configuration after appropriate greater tuberosity preparation.

Recent studies evaluating athletes with combined rotator cuff and labral pathology who underwent arthroscopic repair reported 90% good to excellent satisfaction with 77% returning to pre-injury level of athletics. Although few studies have evaluated combined labral and rotator cuff repair and concerns with stiffness exist, the current literature and the authors own experience have found good outcomes following single-stage repair.

Combined labral and rotator cuff tears after anterior shoulder dislocation in the young athletic population are rare and can be challenging to treat. Although there is limited data on these combined injuries in young athletic populations, the current literature and authors' experience support single stage surgical treatment of combined labral and rotator cuff tears which typically result in improved patient reported outcomes and return to sport.

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.