Open capsulorrhaphy with suture anchors for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder

Forty of 42 consecutive open capsulorrhaphies with suture anchors for treatment of traumatic recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder were reviewed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Follow-up was conducted according to the rating systems of Rowe and the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. The surgical outcome was satisfactory in 38 patients (95%). Eighteen of the 22 patients who were involved in competitive overhead or collision sports before surgery returned to their preoperative sports levels. One patient, whose operation was unsuccessful, experienced recurrent dislocation. In one patient a deep infection that occurred as a complication of the surgical technique healed after suture anchor removal. Although a longer follow-up is necessary, this technique appears to have encouraging results as it avoids the risks related to the use of screws and staples.