Investigate the short-term results of the purse-string method of treatment in non-athletic patients with recurrent traumatic anterior dislocations by using a single anchor

Objective: Arthroscopic stabilization using anchors is the most commonly used method in recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations recent years. In these dislocations, which are treated arthroscopically, the optimal number of anchors is defined as using three anchors by surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the short-term results of the purse-string method of treatment in non-athletic patients with recurrent traumatic anterior dislocations by using a single anchor. Material - Method: In this study, 28 patients who had recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocations, were arthroscopically stabilized by using a single anchor and purse-string method, and were followed-up for an average period of 14.64 months were examined retrospectively. Of the patients, 27 (96.4%) were males and one (3.6%) was female with a mean age of 25.46 (range: 14-36) years. The distribution of patients in terms of their occupations was as follows: nine (32.1%) were officers (policeman, soldier, and governmental officer), six (21.4%) were students, five were (18%) workers, and eight (28.8%) were dealing with commercial affairs. Eighteen patients (64.2%) were preoperatively diagnosed by MRI and Hill-Sacks lesions that were smaller than 25% were arthroscopically determined. Moreover, a bony Bankart lesion was diagnosed in one (3.6%) patient, ALPSA in three (10.8%) patients, SLAP lesions (18%) in five patients (SLAP1:2, SLAP2:1, SLAP3:2), and biceps degeneration in one (3.6%) patient. Patients were evaluated at their last control visits by the presence of dislocation, Rowe, Constant, and Oxford instability scoring systems. Results: The mean Rowe scores were 24.64 preoperatively, and 90.89 postoperatively. According to the Rowe evaluation scale, the results were excellent in 21 shoulders (75%), good in six shoulders (21.4%), and poor in one shoulder (3.6%). The mean Oxford instability scores were 20.03 and 42.39, preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. According to this scale, the results were excellent in 23 shoulders (82.1%), good in four shoulders (14.3%), and poor in one shoulder (3.6%). The mean Constant scores were 62 preoperatively and 94.53 postoperatively. According to this scale, the results were excellent in 25 shoulders (89.3%), good in two shoulders (7.1%), and moderate in one shoulder (3.6%). According to statistical analyses, there were significant improvements in all pre- and postoperative scores. Redislocation was determined in one patient (3.6%), and the apprehension test was positive in two patients (7.2%) in the last control visit. All of the patients other than these ones perform the activities smoothly that they could not carry out due to the dislocation fear in their professional and daily activities. Conclusion: We believe that successful shoulder stabilization can be performed in non-athletic patients with recurrent traumatic anterior dislocation by performing a single anchor, and this procedure will both shorten the surgical duration and it will be less costly. Key words: Anterior instability; single anchor; arthroscopic repair; Bankart lesion.