Arthroscopic Bankart Repair
The anterior labral complex is composed of the inferior glenohumeral ligament and anterior labrum. The complex stabilizes the glenohumeral joint by doubling the depth of the glenoid fossa.1 Turkel et al2 showed that this soft-tissue complex functions to resist anterior dislocation when the shoulder is positioned at 90° of abduction. It is well appreciated and recognized that anterior dislocation is commonly associated with a Bankart lesion, defined as a separation of the anterior inferior labral complex from the glenoid rim.3 Rowe et al4 reported that 85% of patients with traumatic anterior dislocation had an associated Bankart lesion. It is well accepted that open repair of the Bankart lesion restores anterior stability to the shoulder joint and is associated with good functional outcomes. However, in 1987, Morgan and Bodenstab5 reported on the results of arthroscopic repair of Bankart lesions in 25 patients; the authors used transglenoid suture fixation with the goal of achieving clinical results similar to those of open repairs while avoiding the surgical dissection associated with open repair. All results were rated excellent, and all patients achieved full, painless range of motion.