The modified Bristow-Helfet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder subluxations and dislocations

Abstract

A review of 107 cases in which the Bristow-Helfet procedure was done for recurrent anterior shoulder subluxation and dislocation is presented. The redis location rate was 2% with very few complications. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Mean loss of external rotation was 12.6°. Six of the 41 patients with dominant shoulder surgery were capable of throwing in the same manner as they did prior to injury. Five of 24 patients (21 %) with a diagnosis of recurrent anterior subluxation con tinued to have symptoms of instability following sur gery. Associated symptoms of posterior or voluntary subluxation may preclude a satisfactory result.