Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations aged 50 years old and more at the time of surgery. From January 1992, 27 consecutive patients were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 30.5 months, ranging from 7 to 89.3 months. The age range was 50 to 79 years old with an average of 63.0 years old. 20 patients were women and 7 were men. The most common finding was a Bankart lesion associated with complete cuff tears with an average age of 68.3 years old (17 patients). 8 patients had Bankart lesions alone with an average age of 52.9 years old. 2 patients had complete cuff tear alone with an average of 58.5 years. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association shoulder scores improved, from a mean score of 56.1 points preoperatively to 86.1 points postoperatively. The Japanese Shoulder Society Shoulder Instability Scores improved, from a mean score of 30.8 points preoperatively to 79.3 points postoperatively. Recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in elderly patients is more common than is generally believed. Operation is needed to repair torn cuff or to stabilize the shoulder. Patients with a Bankart lesion associated with complete cuff tears will require both procedures.
