Arthroscopic reconstruction of shoulder's labrum with extensive tears.

BACKGROUND: With the continuous development of arthroscopic techniques, the majority of superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions can be treated with minimally invasive endoscopic repair. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction of SLAP lesions with extensive tears.

METHODS: Eighteen patients with SLAP lesions with extensive tears (median age, 27.50 years) were included in this study. Twelve patients had type-V SLAP lesions, 4 patients had type-VIII SLAP lesions, and 2 patients had deeply located SLAP lesions. The average duration of follow-up was 15.83 months (range, 11-22 months). Outcome measures included shoulder range of motion (ROM), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant-Murley scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score.

RESULTS: After arthroscopic surgery, shoulder forward flexion, shoulder external rotation, and external rotation in 90° of abduction were significantly greater than before surgery (169.5° vs. 165.5°, P = 0.001), (90° vs. 63.5°, P < 0.001), and (90° vs. 81.5°, P = 0.004), respectively. Median ASES and Constant-Murley scores after surgery were both 94 as compared to 77.0 and 77.5, respectively, before surgery (both, P < 0.001). The median VAS score decreased to 1.5 after surgery as compared to 6 before surgery (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic repair of SLAP lesions with extensive tears can achieve good outcomes.