Arthroscopic Management of Anterior Capsulolabral Lesions: How and Why

There are a variety of etiologies that may lead to recurrent instability with most of these lesions leading to incompetence of the anterior capsulolabral complex. The anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion is a unique pathoanatomical entity that often renders the glenohumeral joint functionally unstable. This lesion, in addition to other anterior capsulolabral injuries, historically, was repaired using open approaches. These techniques are associated with a high level of patient morbidity, and over the past 2 decades have been abandoned for the use of less invasive arthroscopic treatment modalities. Developments in the equipment and techniques used during shoulder arthroscopy have made arthroscopic management of anterior capsulolabral lesions an effective, safe, and reliable mode of treatment. To achieve successful and consistent patient outcomes with arthroscopic repair of anterior labral lesions, an understanding of the surgical indications, surgical setup, arthroscopic techniques, and equipment is necessary.