Thermal capsulorrhaphy for isolated posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint without labral detachment.
BACKGROUND
Posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint is uncommon, and a minimally invasive, technically easy method of treatment with consistent results has not been reported.


OBJECTIVE
Thermal capsulorrhaphy for posterior instability with a period of postoperative immobilization will satisfactorily reestablish shoulder stability.


METHODS
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.


METHODS
A total of 15 shoulders (13 patients) with isolated posterior instability without labral detachment were treated with thermal capsulorrhaphy. Eleven shoulders were immobilized for 6 weeks after surgery; 14 shoulders were clinically evaluated at a mean of 36 months (range, 26-53 months) after surgery. Of these patients, 2 (3 shoulders) had declined postoperative immobilization.


RESULTS
Eleven shoulders were rated as excellent or good, and 3 experienced recurrent instability and were considered failures. The 3 failures occurred in 1 of 11 shoulders that were immobilized and 2 of 3 (in the same patient) that were not immobilized postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Thermal capsulorrhaphy for posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint, followed by 6 weeks of postoperative immobilization, restored glenohumeral stability in this group of patients.
Bisson
Leslie J
LJ
Northtowns Orthopaedics, PC 8750 Transit Road, East Amherst, NY 14051, USA. klbisson@aol.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000601:surgery*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome