Summary

Fracture through anchors in athletes is a rare complication of an arthroscopic Bankart repair, and could be associated with the use of bioabsorbable anchors. Identifying this rare complication is of utmost importance for a proper treatment allowing young patients to return to sport without any limitation.

Abstract

Introduction

Knotted and knotless suture anchors are used in arthroscopic Bankart repair providing stability for athletes. Anterior glenoid rim fracture has been described as a complication after initial surgical treatment in recurrent anterior instability.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of anterior glenoid rim fracture of the glenoid through anchors and return to sport after revision surgery.

Materials And Methods

979 surgeries were performed for shoulder instability in a period of 14 years (2006-2020), within which 379 were reported us isolated anterior shoulder instability and were repair by arthroscopic technique. In our series the incidence of anterior glenoid rim fracture through anchors was 2% (8/379 patients) and all of them were after a major trauma. The age recorded at the time of the initial surgery was 20 years (range, 17-24) and the mean delay between arthroscopic Bankart repair and recurrence was 30 ± 29 months (range, 9-91). Age at recurrence was 23 ± 3 years (range, 18-26). Six patients were initially operated on with bioabsorbable anchors and 2 patients with titanium anchors. The average follow-up was 58 ± 30 (range, 13 – 104)

Results

Five patients underwent revision surgery with Bankart Bridge repair technique associated with remplissage, while on three occasions Latarjet surgery associated with remplissage was the choice of revision surgery. The mean age at the time of revision surgery was 24 ± 5 years (range, 18 – 35). One patient sustained an axillary neuropraxia after Latarjet revision surgery. All the patients returned to their sports activity at a similar level prior to the injury.

Conclusion

Fracture through anchors in athletes is a rare complication of an arthroscopic Bankart repair, and could be associated with the use of bioabsorbable anchors. Identifying this rare complication is of utmost importance for a proper treatment allowing young patients to return to sport without any limitation.
Type of Study: Retrospective.
Level of evidence: IV.
Key words: Anterior shoulder instability; arthroscopic Bankart repair; Anterior glenoid rim fracture; Fracture through anchors.