Arthroscopic stabilization for first time anterior dislocation of the shoulder using a biodegradable transfixing implants

ABSTRACT

Sixteen young male manual workers [mean age 30.6 years] with high physical demands who sustained first time dislocation of the shoulder were treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair using the Contour Labral nail [Bionx/Biofix, Bioscience, Tampere, Finland] which is an absorbable transfixing implant. The follow-up period ranged between 5-18 months [mean 13.7 months]. There were no re-dislocations during the follow-up period. All patients, but one had excellent results on Rowe and Zarins scoring system [average score 91.25]. All patients, but one had no or little pain and regained full range of movement within 3-4 months. One patient developed postoperative DVT with poor outcome. This study showed that arthroscopic stabilization of first time dislocation using this technique gives satisfactory results compared favorably with conservative treatment of first time dislocation and with surgical treatment of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder