Arthroscopic transglenoid suture capsulolabral repairs: preliminary results

The arthroscopic transglenoid suture technique was performed on 38 shoulders for anterior capsulolabral repair or reconstruction. The primary complaint was instability in 34 shoulders (89%) and pain in 4 shoulders (11%). In the instability subgroup, 3 (9%) experienced instability in their sleep, 17 (50%) with activities of daily living, and 14 (41%) with athletic activities. Arthroscopic examination revealed labral detachment in 35 shoulders (92%) with additional capsular abnormalities noted in 17 (45%). The remaining 3 shoulders (8%) demonstrated capsular laxity and thinning without labral detachment. Twenty-nine shoulders had complete relief of instability. There were no redislocations. Four shoulders (10%) had recurrence of instability. Twenty shoulders (53%) obtained full range of motion, 15 (39%) had minor (< 10 degrees) loss of external rotation, 2 (5%) experienced greater (> 10 degrees) loss of external rotation, and 1 improved over a restricted preoperative range of motion. Fifteen of the 20 competitive athletes and 11 of the 15 recreational athletes returned to the same level and same type of athletic activity. Five patients did not resume their preinjury athletics because of unrelated life-style changes; they reported no shoulder problems. Four patients significantly reduced their athletic participation because of postoperative instability or residual pain. In conclusion, relief of apprehension, reestablishment of shoulder stability and return to athletic activity, including contact and throwing activities, can be achieved safely and effectively in appropriately selected patients.