Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder Associated with the Rotator Cuff Tear

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to report the results of surgical treatment for recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder associated with a rotator cuff tear. Eight shoulders of 8 patients (4 males and 4 females) were investigated. The average age at surgery was 65.6 years old (range 50 - 84). The clinical results were evaluated by Rowe's scoring system. McLaughlin's procedure was performed on 2 shoulders. A modified Bristow's procedure was done on 2 shoulders with a global rotator cuff tear but good function. Rotator cuff in 4 shoulders with remarkable instability was repaired with McLaughlin's method and the anterior Bankart lesion was also repaired (3 cases by the modified Bristow's method and 1 case by subscapularis repair). The average Rowe's score was improved from 25.6 points to 84.4 points post-operatively. Anterior dislocation of the shoulder in elderly patients often associates with rotator cuff tear. Some of them fall into recurrent dislocation after a rotator cuff repair. In present series, McLaughlin's procedure with a modified Bristow's procedure resulted in contracture of the shoulder. Therefore it is important to consider with the indication of the rotator cuff repair for treating recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder associated with a rotator cuff tear.