Background

Several studies have evaluated arthroscopic outcomes from a posterior shoulder instability but only a few studies reported these outcomes among patients with the isolated posterior labrum tears. The posterior labral repair with a percutaneous surgical technique is a novel approach to isolated posterior labral tears.

Objective

To assess the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of percutaneous surgical technique in patients with posterior labral repair.

Methods

A retrospective, single-institute, observational study was conducted using data from all patients who underwent percutaneous repair of a non-concomitant posterior labral tear between July 2012 and December 2019. Pre-operative, operative and post-operative data were collected for functional and safety outcomes and differences in baseline and follow-up mean scores were examined.

Results

Of the 24 patients enrolled with posterior labral instability, isolated Posterior tear was reported by 16 cases, and 10 cases reported presence of Chondromalacia. The mean (SD) anchors were 2.1 (0.7) and the mean (SD) immobilization time was 6.3 (2.1) weeks. None of the cases reported revision or post-op complications. The mean (SD) baseline and last follow-up UCLA scores were 22.5 (4.6) and 32.7 (3.2) respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean (SD) baseline and last follow-up ROWE scores were 66.0 (19.7) and 95.6 (7.1) respectively (p < 0.001). Linear mixed models showed significant differences between UCLA scores at baseline and last follow-up time, with follow-up score being higher (ß= 9.9, 95% CI: 7.6, 12.9). Similarly, ROWE scores showed significant differences between baseline and last follow-up time, with follow-up score being higher (ß= 29.3, 95% CI: 20.6, 38.0).

Conclusion

The percutaneous posterior labral repair shows demonstrated significant reduction in morbidity measured by improved functional outcomes, return to sport time, range of motion and no post-operative complication. This is a promising approach, with comparable outcomes to standard arthroscopy, warranting further investigation