Double mattress fixation with a single knotless anchor in Bankart's repair- A novel technique

Abstract

Background: Arthroscopic Bankart's repair has become a routine surgeries for all surgeons involved in arthroscopic surgeries in general and shoulder surgeries in particular. With the advent of newer technologies that aim to make these repairs more sound as well as quicker, there has also been a significant rise in costs of such implants. In a developing country, these costs need to be controlled to provide the best technology and treatment at the same time ensure that it is accessible for the general population. Materials and methods: We used a technique to reduce the cost of implant to our patients where we used the remaining high-tensile suture of a PushLock suture anchor, to take another mattress suture in the capsule-labral tissue. We used this technique in 10 patients, and had no cases of recurrent dislocation and a significantly lower cost of implants. Results: This technique led to use of one less suture anchor, thus saving the costs as well as justifying the use of an expensive newer technology suture. We have consistently achieved solid fixation with this method as well as have been able to use lesser number of anchors. Conclusion: In a resource limited setting, a double mattress fixation in a Bankart's repair, can allow use of less anchors, thus reducing the cost of implants, but allowing a rigid fixation of the labrum.