The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the outcome following arthroscopic Bankart repair using two types of suture anchors, absorbable and non-absorbable. Patients with a diagnosis of recurrent traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder, seen between April 2000 and June 2003 in a single unit, were considered for inclusion in the study. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively using a subjective patient related outcome measurement tool (Oxford instability score), a visual analogue scale for pain and instability (VAS Pain and VAS instability) and a quality of life questionnaire (SF-12). The incidence of recurrent instability and the level of sporting ability were recorded. Patients were randomised to undergo surgical repair with either non-absorbable or absorbable anchors.

130 patients were included in the study. 6 patients were lost to follow-up and 124 patients (95%) completed the study. Both types of anchors were highly effective. There were no differences in the rate of recurrence or any of the scores between the two. Four patients in the non-absorbable group and 3 in the absorbable group experienced further episodes of dislocation after a traumatic event. The rate of redislocation in the whole series was therefore, 5.6%. In addition, 4 patients, all of them in the absorbable group (4%) described ongoing symptoms of instability but no true dislocations. 85% of the patients have returned to their previous level of sporting activity.

There are no differences in the outcome of Arthroscopic Bankart repair using either absorbable or non-absorbable anchors. Both are highly effective, showing a redislocation rate of 5.6%.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the mid-term outcome following arthroscopic Bankart repair using two types of suture anchor, the G II (Mitek) non-absorbable and the Panalok (Mitek) absorbable anchor.

Method: Patients with a diagnosis of recurrent traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder seen between April 2000 and June 2003 in a single unit were considered for inclusion in the study. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a subjective patient related outcome measurement tool (Oxford instability score), visual analogue scales for pain and instability and a quality of life questionnaire (SF-12). Patients were randomised to undergo surgical repair with either non-absorbable or absorbable anchors. Length of follow-up was 3.3–6.5 (mean 5.0) years. The incidence of recurrent instability and the level of sporting ability were recorded.

Results: 130 patients were included in the study. 25 patients were lost to follow-up, 105 patients (81%) completed the study. 5 patients in absorbable group and 4 patients in non-absorbable group experienced further dislocation (8.5%). Both types of anchor were highly effective. There were no differences in the rate of recurrence or any of the scores between the two.

Conclusions: There are no differences in the outcome of arthroscopic Bankart repair using either absorbable or non-absorbable anchors. Both are highly effective, showing a redislocation rate of 8.5%.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively the outcome following arthroscopic Bankart repair using two types of suture anchors, absorbable and non-absorbable.

Method: Patients with a diagnosis of recurrent traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder, seen between April 2000 and June 2003, in a single unit were considered for inclusion in the study. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using a subjective patient related outcome measurement tool (Oxford instability score), a visual analogue scale for pain and instability (VAS Pain and VAS instability) and a quality of life questionnaire (SF-12). Length of follow up was 1.5 to 5 years, mean 2.6 years. The incidence of recurrent instability and the level of sporting ability were recorded. Patients were randomised to undergo surgical repair with either non-absorbable or absorbable anchors.

Results: 130 patients were included in the study. 6 patients were lost to follow up; therefore 124 patients (95%) completed the study. Both types of anchors were highly effective. There were no differences in the rate of recurrence or any of the scores between the two groups. 4 patients in the non-absorbable group and 3 in the absorbable group experienced further episodes of dislocation after a traumatic event: the rate of redislocation in the whole series was therefore 6%. In addition 4 patients, all of them in the absorbable group (4%,) described ongoing symptoms of instability but no true dislocations. 85% of the patients have returned to their previous level of sporting activity.

Conclusions: There are no differences in the outcome of Arthroscopic Bankart repair using either absorbable or non-absorbable anchors. Both are highly effective, showing a redislocation rate of 5.6%.

A prospective study was carried out over a period of 4 years. 31 patients with a mean age of 49 years were treated using the clavicular hook plate. The mean follow up was 28.34 months. 23 patients were operated primarily and 8 patients were operated for symptomatic non-union.

All the patients achieved clinical and radiological union in a mean 12.71 weeks. According to Constant scoring the mean was 94. According to HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) scoring 9 patients had excellent, 21 had good.

The clinical results of the clavicular hook plate were good leading to good shoulder girdle function.

Scapular instability is a disabling deformity that results in pain and influences the overall upper limb function ; for which scapular stabilization may be necessary.

Aim: To review the results of this procedure.

Methods: 9 patients who underwent this procedure could be contacted and were assessed. We used the Disability of Arm, shoulder and Hand score(DASH) and the constant score for shoulder function including subjective assessment of patients pain and overall satisfaction and radiographs for evidence of unionwith a mean age of 36 yrs(range 21–57 yrs), performed in the period between July 1996 and October 2002 with a mean follow up period of 35.7 months,(range 10–72 months).6 of them were primary procedures and two were revisions for failed primary stabilisation . The main pre-operative complaint of these patients was dragging pain, scapular winging, painful forward flexion and abduction and sense of instability. The underlying pathology was Fascio-scapulo-humeral dystrophy in 3, sprengels shoulder in 2,brachial plexus palsy in 1, following trapezius muscle excision in 1, residual winging following shoulder fusion in 1.

The technique used for fusion was plate and wires in 6, Rush pin and wires in 2. All of them had bone grafting .

At the last follow up the mean DASH score was 37 and the mean constant score was 74.67.

All patients had mild or no pain,felt their scapula stable and were satisfied with the outcome. The main post operative complaint was wire breakage and migration that necessitated removal in 3 patients.

We conclude that scapulothoracic fusion is a valuable procedure and can restore reasonable shoulder function and relieve pain in patients with scapular instability.

Introduction: Distal humeral fractures represent a constant challenge to the most experienced surgeon. This is the first report of the use of an unlinked prosthesis for the treatment of distal humeral fractures in elderly persons.

Materials and Methods: From July 2000 to June 2001, 9 iBP elbow arthroplasties were performed in patients with acute fractures of the distal humerus. The average age of the group was 71 years. The mean interval between injury and TER was 11 days. The follow-up period averaged 12 months (range 5 to 16).

Results: Functional outcome was evaluated with patient-completed questionnaires. All patients had a flexion contracture of the elbow ranging from 15 to 30 degrees. All patients were able to perform daily activities, pain relief was satisfactory and patient satisfaction was high. All elbows met the criteria for functional motion and were stable at the latest follow-up examination. There were no major complications such as dislocation, ulnar nerve dysfunction or deep infection.

Conclusion: Unlinked non-congruous elbow arthroplasty when combined with a surgical exposure that allows proper soft tissue balance and instrumentation that enables correct positioning of the components can be a successful alternative in the management of acute distal humeral fractures in selected patients when conventional fixation is not a viable option.