Arthroscopic repair of anterior glenohumeral instability and rotator interval lesions.

Traumatic anterior instability is the most common shoulder instability pattern seen in orthopaedic practices. Historically, open procedures have produced excellent results and are the most commonly accepted surgical treatment for this problem. Recently there has been a trend toward arthroscopic management of this condition. As our understanding of the pathology of instability improves and corresponding advancements are made in surgical techniques and instrumentation, the results from arthroscopic Bankart reconstructions are fast approaching those seen with open procedures. Arthroscopic repair of such lesions are now well described and have become an integral part of instability surgery. As more surgeons become familiar with these techniques, the authors believe that arthroscopic Bankart reconstructions with rotator interval repair will be considered the preferred method in the future.