Functional outcomes in athletes after modified anterior capsulolabral reconstruction

During a 7-month period, 32 consecutive athletes underwent anterior capsulolabral reconstruction with modifications, consisting of a horizontal capsulotomy (rather than a T-capsulotomy) and suture anchors (rather than drill holes); 31 patients were available for follow-up examinations. At preoperative examinations all patients demonstrated positive relocation tests; 22 were diagnosed with recurrent anterior subluxation and 9 with recurrent anterior dislocation. After surgery, all patients underwent a rehabilitation program. Followup included physical examination, subjective questions, and radiographs. At a minimum of 24 months' followup, results measured by modified Rowe score were 24 patients (77%) excellent, 6 (19%) good, and 1 (3%) failure. Eighty-one percent of the patients returned to the same sport at the same level of competition, 13% returned to the same sport at a lower level of competition, and 6% did not return to the preinjury sport. Radiographic analyses at 2 years' followup revealed all Mitek anchors were well seated in the bone of the glenoid neck. No complications of the suture anchors occurred. This modification of anterior capsulolabral reconstruction simplified the procedure and allowed a more aggressive early rehabilitation program with 97% good or excellent results.