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Shoulder instability outcomes equally good with absorbable or non-absorbable sutures
Brazilian investigators found Rowe, ASOSS scores in two groups similar 2 years after arthroscopic anchor repair.
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FLORENCE — The type of suture used for arthroscopically repairing shoulder instability using suture anchors may not influence final outcomes, according to a study presented here.
From August 2003 to January 2005, Gustavo C. Monteiro, MD, and colleagues from Sao Paulo, Brazil, randomly assigned 35 athletes with shoulder instability to receive either absorbable sutures (group A) or non-absorbable Ethibond (Ethicon Inc.) sutures (group B). They had adequate follow-up for 32 patients, which left 16 patients in each group.
The groups were statistically similar preoperatively with regard to age, number of glenohumeral dislocations and sports activities. Also, all patients received the same absorbable poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA anchors, according to Monteiro, who presented the results at the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Congress.
Investigators evaluated patients using the Rowe score and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System (ASOSS).
Follow-up averaged 22.6 months for group A and 23.8 months for group B.
Using the 100-point Rowe scoring system, group A patients had an average score of 80.6 points and group B had an average score of 86.5 points, with some patients in both groups attaining a 100-point score.
Results based on ASOSS scores, also a 100-point system, showed mean scores of 85.5 in group A and 86.8 in group B.
There were 93.75% and 87.5% good or excellent results in groups A and B, respectively, based on these outcome measures. But, three patients were considered failures: one patient in group A had a subluxation and two in group B dislocated.
Overall, there were about 90% good/excellent results in both groups, Monteiro noted, adding this meant the sutures were not likely an influencing factor.
For more information:
- Gustavo C. Monteiro, MD, has indicated he received research/institutional support from Johnson & Johnson.
- Monteiro GC, Ejnisman B, Andreoli CV, et al. Arthroscopic suture anchor repair for shoulder instability: A prospective study comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. #60. Presented at the 2007 International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Congress. May 27-31, 2007. Florence.