Absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures for the arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability in athletes: a prospective randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the functional results of arthroscopic treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in 2 groups of athletes.


METHODS
Fifty patients were randomly assigned to 2 different groups with comparable patient demographics. Group A was treated with anchors loaded with absorbable sutures, and group B was treated with the same type of anchors loaded with nonabsorbable sutures. The same type of absorbable anchor, surgical technique, and rehabilitation protocol was used in both groups. The outcomes were evaluated after a minimum postoperative period of 24 months. The Rowe score and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System were applied, and statistical analysis was performed.


RESULTS
The mean Rowe score was 83.8 in group A and 79.5 in group B. The mean values for the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Scoring System were 84 and 79.2, respectively. Good or excellent results were found in 90.5% of patients in group A and 87.5% in group B. We had 2 failures (9.5%) in group A and 3 (12.5%) in group B. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of the outcomes (P > .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The type of suture used, absorbable or nonabsorbable, did not influence the functional results of arthroscopic treatment for traumatic anterior shoulder instability in this series.
Sports Orthopedic Trauma Center, Orthopedic Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. gucara@uol.com.br
Gustavo C
GC
Monteiro
Benno
B
Ejnisman
Carlos V
CV
Andreoli
Alberto
A
de Castro Pochini
Alberto C
AC
Pochini
Moisés
M
Cohen
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D013537:Sutures; D016896:Treatment Outcome