Does the immediate repair of Bankart lesion following first dislocation reduce the chances of recurrence after arthroscopic repair in soldiers?

Abstract

Purpose: The study attempted to compare the effects of immediate and delayed arthroscopic Bankart repair on the shoulder dislocation recurrence.

Methods: In total, 465 soldiers with first-time anterior shoulder dislocation were included in the study. Of the total, 285 soldiers underwent a quick arthroscopic Bankart repair procedure, whether 180 soldiers underwent a delayed repair procedure. The initial dislocation was traumatic in both groups and operated using the standard arthroscopic suture anchor repair technique. Patient's age, repair time since the first dislocation, number of dislocations before surgery, number of suture anchors used during the repair, duration of surgical procedure, duration from surgery to return to work, and recurrence of dislocation after surgery were recorded. Rowe score, Constant score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were used for clinical assessment.

Results: The operating time and recurrence rate were higher in the group subjected to delayed repair procedure than in the group subjected to immediate repair procedure. Repair timing was found to be crucial for a successful outcome.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that Bankart repair must be performed immediately to minimize recurrence and other degenerative changes, which may require an additional surgical procedure for satisfactory repair. More studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion.

Levels of evidence: Level III.