Results and factors affecting outcome of revision surgery for shoulder instability

We conducted a clinical study identifying the causes of failure and the variables affecting outcome in 28 patients with failed open or arthroscopic anterior shoulder reconstruction for anterior glenohumeral instability. All patients underwent an open revision stabilization procedure. Surgical outcomes at a minimum 24 months' follow-up were available in 25 patients. The most common findings at revision surgery were capsular redundancy and Bankart lesions. Satisfactory results were found in 21 patients (84%) after repeat instability surgery. Factors contributing to negative outcome were glenohumeral arthritis, age greater than 30 years, 2 or more previous instability procedures, a bony Bankart lesion, the diagnosis of multidirectional instability and surgery involving the nondominant arm (P < .05). Revision shoulder stabilization can be successful when the correct diagnosis is made and appropriate surgery performed. However, the outcome is less predictable in patients with multiple previous surgeries.