Arthroscopic Posterior Labral Repair in Athletes: Outcome Analysis at 2-Year Follow-up

Purpose

The purpose of this outcome analysis was to evaluate the clinical presentation of isolated posterior labral tears resulting from athletic injury and to use multiple outcome measurements to evaluate postoperative results after arthroscopic repair with respect to satisfaction, function, and return to sport.

Methods

Seventy-five consecutive patients injured during athletic activity were treated surgically during the 2-year period from 2005 to 2006 for labral pathologies. Twenty-eight patients were treated for isolated posterior labral tears. Of these, all underwent arthroscopic repair of their tears. The mechanism of injury was trauma to a previously asymptomatic shoulder during sports. The patients' mean age was 21 years, and they were evaluated with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; University of California, Los Angeles; Rowe; and visual analog scale scores, as well as active motion and dynamometric strength testing. Scores and measurements were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly thereafter.

Results

In our athletic population undergoing surgical management for labral pathology, 37% of patients (28 of 75) were found to have purely posterior labral lesions after an athletic injury. On intraoperative examination, an element of posterior laxity was seen in only 29% of patients with these tears. At 24 months, significant improvements were observed in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; University of California, Los Angeles; Rowe; and visual analog scale scores. Increases in forward flexion and external rotation strength were also noted. Return to sport was achieved in 26 of 28 patients (93%). A 93% patient satisfaction rate was observed for arthroscopic posterior labral repairs at more than 24 months.

Conclusions

Our patient-athletes presented with painful, dysfunctional shoulders that inhibited performance in their chosen sport. Arthroscopic evaluation and repair of these posterior labral lesions resulted in 26 of 28 patients (93%) returning to sport and 23 of 28 (82%) returning without any limitations.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.