The treatment of recurrent shoulder dislocation with global rotator cuff tear is a controversial problem. We report the clinical results of the modified Bristow procedure for recurrent shoulder dislocation with global rotator cuff tear. We examined 6 shoulders of 6 patient s(1 male and 5 females, 65 ∼ 81 years old, average; 74 years old)who underwent modified Bristow procedures for recurrent shoulder dislocation with global rotator cuff tear. Over one year after operation, clinical results were evaluated. T he “visual analogue scale(VAS)” pain scale was used. Bone healing of the transferred coracoid process seen with X-ray or CT scan, instability, range of motion, and JOA score were investigated. The mean follow-up period was 29 months. The VAS was 12/100. All shoulders had good bone healing. There was no recurrent dislocation but there was one subluxation. The mean range of motion, flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation were 130°, 137°, 33°, Th9.7, respectively. The average JOA score was 83.3 points. It is difficult to acquire good results from cuff repair in the cases of recurrent shoulder dislocation with global rotator cuff tear, because of the long period of rehabilitation and high risk of re-tear. Good results were obtained from the modified Bristow procedure in these cases due to early training of range of motion.
