Optimization of the Algorithm for Choosing the Surgical Treatment of Anterior Recurrent Instability of the Shoulder Joint

Introduction. Chronic recurrent instability of the shoulder joint is a frequent outcome of conservative treatment oftraumatic dislocation of the shoulder (2.8–30 % of cases). Preoperative examination largely determines the outcome of surgical treatment of this pathology.

The aim of the study was to provide a clinical assessment of the developed algorithm for the surgical treatment of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder joint instability. Materials and methods. The results of treatment of 98 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder joint instability were studied. Preoperative examination included clinical tests, MRI or CT with calculation of bone loss. Fifty-six patients (57.1 %) underwent Bankart operation, 14 patients (14.3 %) – Latarjet operation. Twenty-three patients (23.5 %) underwent Bankart + Remplissage surgery, and 5 (5.1 %) – Latarjet + remplissage. The result was assessed on the ROWE scale.

Results. Bone defects significant in the formation of instability (“glenoid off track”) were found in 19.4 % of patients, and “glenoid on track” – in 80.6 %. According to the proposed algorithm for treating patients with anterior recurrent instability of the shoulder joint, the “glenoid off track” state was an indication for Latarjet surgery. When “glenoid on track” was used, indications for Bankart operation were displayed. The remplissage procedure was indicated in case of the presence of a Hill-Sachs grade 3 defect or the presence of hyperelasticity of the tissues of the shoulder joint. The mean ROWE score for the entire group of patients before surgery was 41.5 ± 12.8 points, and 15 months after sur gery – 94.9 ± 3.4 points. Two recurrent dislocations were revealed, one of which was associated with repeated trauma, and the other – with an incorrect choice of stabilization technique. One complication (axillary nerve neuropathy) was observed, which was arrested conservatively.

Conclusions. The proposed algorithm allowed us to obtain positive results in 97.9 % of cases. 

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