A technical note on the concomitant rotator cuff tendon repair and arthroscopic reduction of a missed/neglected anterior shoulder dislocation

Abstract

Patients with neglected/missed anterior shoulder dislocation and an associated rotator cuff tear present a dilemma for the correct surgical approach that will facilitate a reduction of the dislocation and repair of the rotator cuff tear. This report describes an arthroscopic technique using standard arthroscopic portals to reduce neglected (3-6 weeks) anterior shoulder dislocation and repair the rotator cuff tendon. The arthroscopy is performed in a beach chair position using anterolateral and anteromedial portals for reduction of the shoulder dislocation. The same anterolateral portal is used as a viewing portal, and the anteromedial portal and an additional lateral portal are used for subsequent rotator cuff repair.