Footprint fixation for arthroscopic reconstruction in anterior shoulder instability: the Cassiopeia double-row technique

Abstract

Footprint fixation with a double-row technique is a new concept for arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction in anterior shoulder instability. The described double-row fixation technique with 2 suture anchors on the glenoid neck and 3 on the glenoid rim allows healing of the capsulolabral complex to a broader bony surface and not only to the thin glenoid rim as achieved with current techniques. Because the anchor insertion W-shaped form resembles the star constellation of Cassiopeia, this technique is called the Cassiopeia double-row technique. The restoration of the original capsulolabral footprint with the Cassiopeia double-row technique by a stronger fixation should decrease recurrence rates of instability after arthroscopic stabilization but we need longer follow-up and larger numbers of patients to confirm.