Abstract

Arthroscopic Bankart repair using degradable polymers is a relatively new procedure. Initial reports describing results among the first patients treated for instability of the shoulder using degradable tacks found rates of recurrent instability significantly higher than those for open repair procedures. A 21% postoperative recurrence rate was reported in the initial group of 62 patients studied. Modifications of the operative procedure and, more importantly, the indications for the procedure have led to substantially improved results. Using the following indications, a 2-year followup group of patients was found to have a 10% recurrence of instability rate: (1) traumatic instability, which primarily was anterior, unidirectional; (2) presence of a Bankart lesion; (3) presence of a robust inferior glenohumeral ligament; and (4) minimal to mild amount of bony erosions present at the glenoid. It is concluded that with more precise patient selection, arthroscopic stabilization using a degradable polymeric tack can provide high levels of patient satisfaction with low rates of recurrence.