Arthroscopic Capsular Plication for Atraumatic Instability Results in Improved Patient-reported Outcome Measures

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after arthroscopic capsulolabral plication in patients with atraumatic instability (AI). A retrospective review of 282 cases from 2012 to 2020 identified 45 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The cohort was 60% female with a mean age and body mass index of 25.4 years and 25.5 kg/m2, respectively. Postoperative assessment showed significant improvements in shoulder function and pain with a mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score increase from 53.0 and 76.0 (P<0.0001), and a mean Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) indicating 82.92% of normal shoulder function. Patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) experienced higher rates of recurrent instability and revision surgery. Despite these challenges, arthroscopic capsulolabral plication remains a viable surgical option for AI in patients unresponsive to conservative management. Level of Evidence: – Level IV case series.