Recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder

Results of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder are reported. The procedures used were mainly Putti-Plat in 35 patients; Eden-Hybinette in five patients and Webers derotation osteotomy of the humerus in five patients. Recurrence rates in the 45 patients reviewed and followed up at three years post-operatively were: six in Putti-Plat and two in Eden-Hybinette and none in Webers osteotomy patients. Clinically, the functional post-operative results were "excellent" in 32 patients (71%), "satisfactory" in eight patients (18%); while they were "unsatisfactory" in three patients and "poor" in two patients. There were no appreciable differences depending on the operative method used. Radiologically, the Hill-Sachs defect on the posterolateral aspect of the humeral head was seen in 30 patients (67%) while Bankarts lesion of the glenoid rim osteoarthritis was seen in five patients (11%), while rotator cuff calcification was seen in nine patients (20%).