Arthroscopic capsular plication for posterior shoulder instability

Seventeen patients with recurrent posterior shoulder instability underwent posterior capsular plication with or without suture anchors, between 1990 and 1992. Minimum 2-year follow-up was available for 14 patients (average, 33 months; range, 24 to 45 months). The etiology involved trauma in 9 cases, recurrent microtrauma in 4 cases, and no trauma in 1 case. Posterior capsular laxity was present in all 14 cases and was believed to be the primary pathology, although 12 patients showed some form of labral pathology. The patients were interviewed and assessed in six categories: pain, strength, function, stability, range-of-motion, and satisfaction. Twelve patients had excellent results and 2 had fair results. Nine of 10 patients who participate in recreational or competitive athletics reported full return to their preinjury level of function in their respective sports. There was one recurrence of posterior shoulder instability which was remedied with a second arthroscopic posterior capsular reconstruction. All 14 patients were satisfied with the results of their surgery, and no complications were noted. Capsular plication is a promising technique in the treatment of recurrent posterior shoulder instability.