The treatment of recurrent dislocation of the shoulder.

The authors present the long-term results obtained with the Boytchev technique in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. Recurrence, clinical outcome and functional limitations were evaluated. A total of 27 shoulders in 25 patients were studied. The average follow-up period was 13.3 years. There were no immediate neurovascular complications and no residual pain. The average recovery time was 4.3 months. Dislocation recurred in five shoulders (18%) and 18.5% of the patients were left with restricted mobility. All patients resumed their previous employment although sporting capacity recovered to pre-injury levels in only 9 of 15 patients. The results were classified as good in 18.5% and as excellent in 40.7% of the patients, but the remaining 40.7% had a fair or poor result. In conclusion, the recurrence rate is high and nearly 20% of the patients are left with limited shoulder mobility. Furthermore, although all the patients were able to return to their job, only 60% of those engaged in sports regained their previous level. This technique, although attractive, is better avoided.