Long-term results obtained with the Bankart method for the treatment of recurring anterior instability of the shoulder

Abstract

This review of cases was the product of a multicentric study the results of which were discussed during the Round Table discussion on the treatment of recurring anterior instability of the shoulder for the Spring Session of the S.OF.C.O.T 90. It is the purpose of this study to evaluate the long-term results obtained with Bankart capsuloplasty. Fifty-three patients were reviewed with a long-term follow-up of more than 10 years. Their performance in sports and during everyday life was evaluated. The procedure may be the cause of mild joint stiffness in external and internal rotation, but it is distinguished for its scarce tendency to provoke arthrosis and for its excellent results in relieving pain, as compared to other procedures such as the Latarjet method. Thus, its results in terms of stability are comparable to those obtained with other methods. In this series the results seem to be correlated with sports activity, age and the side operated on. The worst results were obtained in very young amateur athletes and in non-dominant shoulders. Long-term follow-up showed that results were stable in time, with no functional progression or decline in sports activity.