Robinson primary arthroscopic stabilisation

Primary arthroscopic stabilization for a first-time anterior dislocation of the shoulder. A randomized, double-blind trial.

Robinson CM, Jenkins PJ, White TO, et al. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume 2008 · PMID 18381306 · doi:10.2106/jbjs.g.00679

Question

Does early arthroscopic Bankart repair reduce recurrence after a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation compared with arthroscopic lavage?

Design

Double-blind RCT at a single UK trauma centre.

Patients

Young adults with a first-time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

Intervention

Arthroscopic Bankart repair

Comparison

Arthroscopic washout (lavage) alone

Primary outcome

Recurrent instability at 2 years

Key result

Early arthroscopic Bankart repair significantly reduced recurrent instability and improved shoulder-specific function compared with lavage.

Limitations

Single centre with a modest sample of young, active patients; follow-up limited to two years.

Impact on practice

Supports offering early arthroscopic stabilisation to high-risk young patients after a first dislocation rather than waiting for recurrence.