Arthroscopic repair versus open surgical techniques for the management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Surgical shoulder stabilization has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence with some authors recommending intervention even after a single dislocation. The present study compared arthroscopic repair versus open surgical techniques for the management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Materials & Methods: 50 patients of anterior shoulder instability of both genders were divided into 2 groups of 25 each. Group I comprised of patients managed with arthroscopic method and group II with open surgery. Modified Rowe score and ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Society) score were recorded. Results: The mean ROWE pain score at 4 weeks was 3.0 and 3.4 in group I and II respectively, at 6 weeks was 5.4 and 5.0 in group I and II respectively, at 9 weeks was 10.2 and 5.8 in group I and II respectively and at 12 weeks was 10.1 and 9.2 in group I and II respectively. The mean ASES pain score at 4 weeks was 2.6 and 1.3 in group I and II respectively, at 6 weeks was 4.3 and 2.5 in group I and II respectively, at 9 weeks was 2.8 and 2.0 in group I and II respectively and at 12 weeks was 3.2 and 3.0 in group I and II respectively. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Both techniques were observed to be equally effective in the management of cases of recurrent anterior shoulder instability.