Arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional shoulder instability in athletes: a retrospective analysis of 2- to 5-year clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are few reports in the literature detailing the arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability of the shoulder.

HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic management of symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population can successfully return athletes to sports with a high rate of success as determined by patient-reported outcome measures.

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: Forty patients (43 shoulders) with multidirectional instability of the shoulder were treated via arthroscopic means and were evaluated at a mean of 33.5 months postoperatively. The mean patient age was 19.1 years (range, 14-39). There were 24 male patients and 16 female patients. Patients were evaluated with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability scoring systems. Stability, strength, and range of motion were also evaluated with patient-reported scales.

RESULTS: The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score postoperatively was 91.4 of 100 (range, 59.9-100). The mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability postoperative percentage score was 91.1 of 100 (range, 72.9-100). Ninety-one percent of patients had full or satisfactory range of motion, 98% had normal or slightly decreased strength, and 86% were able to return to their sport with little or no limitation.

CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic methods can provide an effective treatment for symptomatic multidirectional instability in an athletic population.