Arthroscopic Bankart repair of anterior shoulder instability in the athlete

Shoulder instability is a common and oftentimes disabling problem in athletes. The management of shoulder instability, both surgical and nonsurgical, remains a controversial subject. Traditional open stabilization procedures have offered patients a good chance of a stable shoulder but with the possibility of some loss of range of motion. Arthroscopic alternatives have been evolving for nearly 20 years with some early series showing less than optimal results. There has been an evolution in shoulder arthroscopic stabilizations. More recent results have shown promise based on improved surgical technique and better appreciation of the complex surgical anatomy. The following summary describes the anatomic and technical issues involved with the arthroscopic treatment of anterior shoulder instability in the athlete.