title: Arthroscopic fixation of superior labral lesions using a biodegradable implant: a preliminary report.
abstract: Twenty-two patients were treated for symptomatic lesions of the superior glenoid labrum in association with instability of the tendinous insertion of the long head of the biceps brachii. A biodegradable implant was used to fix the labrum to the bony glenoid using an arthroscopic technique. At 2-year average follow-up, satisfactory results were obtained in 86% of the patients. Two patients, both of whom had undergone concomitant subacromial decompression, continued to complain of pain after the procedure; 3 patients had restricted motion postoperatively, and 1 required manipulation under anesthesia. Twelve of 13 overhead athletes were able to return to full premorbid function. Arthroscopic fixation of unstable lesions of the superior labrum led to a resolution of symptoms in the majority of patients. There were no complications related to the use of the biodegradable implant.
authors.affiliation: Lipscomb Clinic, Nashville, TN 37205, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Pagnani
authors.forename: K P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Speer
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Altchek
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dines
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*