There are many kinds of therapeutic methods for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. In these methods, Putti-Platt's procedure, which was described by Osmond-Clarke in 1948, is simple in its operative technique and good in its results. However, the restriction of external rotation causes certain problems in the patient's A. D. L. after operation.
Since the opening of our hospital in 1978 unti l Oct.1984, the Putti-Platt's procedure has been used on patients with recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Follow-up period is on the average of 2 years and 7 months (from 1 year to 4 years and 2 months). No redislocation occurred in any cases.
The purpose of this paper is to report the short term results and to consider means to prevent redislocation. The anterior barrier of the subscapular muscle plays the main role in the prevention of redislocation.
There are some differences between the preoperative glenoidal shape and postoperative one in the roentogenographic film. The lateral facing ratio (height/width) of the glenoid is larger postoperatively than preoperatively. So, the lateral facing of the glenoid (scapular extension) seems to play a minor role in the prevention of redislocation of the shoulder.
