Percutaneous Techniques for Shoulder Labral Repair

Arthroscopic techniques for labral repair and shoulder instability are fast becoming the standard of care. Arthroscopy has improved visualization of articular damage, allows access to multiple quadrants of the shoulder, provides the ability to create an anatomic repair, and avoids some of the complications associated with the open surgical approach. The current common technique for arthroscopic labral repair involves use of multiple working portals. Creation of these multiple portals can add to the surgical morbidity of the rotator cuff and rotator interval, which is desirable to avoid in the overhead athlete. A percutaneous technique was developed to further enhance management of all pathology with more precise anchor placement, maneuvering of suture passing instruments, and less rotator cuff and capsule morbidity.