Arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy: a long-term follow-up

Fifty-four shoulders with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were evaluated following arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy. Average follow-up for those with only the index surgery was 39 months. Eighteen patients (33%) experienced at least one episode of postoperative instability. Ten underwent an open reconstructive procedure. Routine radiographs at time of follow-up demonstrated loose staples in 15% of asymptomatic patients. Range of motion was preserved following surgery. There was no loss of forward elevation. An average of 5 degrees of external rotation and one spinal segment in internal rotation were lost following surgery. Forty-three percent of overhead athletes were able to return to their preinjury level of activity. Caution should be taken when considering arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy as recurrence rates are higher than those following open reconstruction. However, range of motion and functional level are well-maintained. When capsulorrhaphy is performed, consideration should be given to routine staple removal following adequate capsular healing.