Open Bankart technique for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability

A series of 74 patients with unidirectional anterior shoulder instability and an average follow-up of seven years is presented. Patients were treated surgically between January 1986 and November 1994 using the open Bankart technique. The original technique was followed in 28 cases and suture anchor devices were used in the remaining 46 cases. Fifty-one shoulders (68.9%) had recurrent anterior dislocation and 20 (27%) had instability. The remaining 3 (4%) only had shoulder pain. Pathological findings revealed labrum lesions in 89% and capsular laxity in 4%. According to the Rowe criteria, 93% of the patients achieved excellent or good results. Isokinetic evaluation showed no significant change in rotator cuff strength and radiology confirmed the absence of degenerative glenohumeral arthrosis. Two recurrences (2.7%) were found. The results suggest that the open Bankart technique produces excellent long-term functional results.