Absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for the arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability in athletes: a prospective randomized study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the functional results of arthroscopic treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in 2 groups of athletes.

Methods: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to 2 different groups with comparable patient demographics. Group A was treated with anchors loaded with absorbable sutures, and group B was treated with the same type of anchors loaded with nonabsorbable sutures. The same type of absorbable anchor, surgical technique, and rehabilitation protocol was used in both groups. The outcomes were evaluated after a minimum postoperative period of 24 months. The Rowe score and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System were applied, and statistical analysis was performed.

Results: The mean Rowe score was 83.8 in group A and 79.5 in group B. The mean values for the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System were 84 and 79.2, respectively. Good or excellent results were found in 90.5% of patients in group A and 87.5% in group B. We had 2 failures (9.5%) in group A and 3 (12.5%) in group B. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of the outcomes (P > .05).

Conclusions: The type of suture used, absorbable or nonabsorbable, did not influence the functional results of arthroscopic treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in this series.