Published online Jun 20, 2024. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v14.i2.90280
Peer-review started: November 29, 2023
First decision: December 23, 2023
Revised: January 25, 2024
Accepted: March 14, 2024
Article in press: March 14, 2024
Published online: June 20, 2024
Processing time: 198 Days and 8.7 Hours
With stiff competition from alternative albeit more expensive counterparts, it has become important to establish the applicability of metallic anchors for shoulder instability in the modern era. This can be accomplished, in part, by analysing long-term outcomes.
To analyse minimum 10-year outcomes from 30 patients following arthroscopic anterior stabilisation using metallic anchors.
Prospectively collected data from arthroscopic Bankart repairs performed using metal anchors during 2007P-2010 were retrospectively analysed in this single-surgeon study. Comprehensive data collection included historical and clinical findings, dislocation details, operative specifics, and follow-up radiological and clinical findings including shoulder scores. The primary outcomes were patient-reported scores (Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], and Rowe scores) and pain and instability on a visual analogue scale (VAS).
A 3% recurrence rate of dislocation was noted at the final follow-up. Total constant scores at 10 years postoperatively measured between 76 and 100 (mean 89) were significantly better than preoperative scores (mean 62.7). Congruous improvements were also noted in the Rowe and ASES scores and VAS at the 10-year review.
Reliable long-term outcomes with metallic anchors in surgery for shoulder instability can be expected. Our results provide additional evidence of their continued, cost-effective presence in the modern scenario.
Core Tip: This paper describes reliable long-term outcomes with metallic anchors in arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation procedures. In an era where newer bioabsorbable alternatives are increasingly become more prevalent in shoulder surgery, it is important not to undermine the established role of metallic anchors. The present study contributes to the literature with evidence of successful long-term outcomes of at least 10 years in managing shoulder instability with metallic suture anchors.