No Clear Difference in Clinical Outcomes Between Knotted and Knotless Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To analyze whether the arthroscopic Bankart repair using a knotless suture anchor has a better functional outcome than the conventional knot-tying Bankart repair. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was done in the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases in May 2023. Studies comparing the clinical outcome of Bankart repair using knotless and knot-tying techniques were included in the study. In vitro, animal, and Level IV and V studies were excluded. The risk of bias in randomized controlled trials was calculated according to the RoB 2 tool, and for nonrandomized studies, Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria were used. Statistical analysis was done using RevMan software. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials and 7 nonrandomized comparative studies involving 720 patients, were included in the systematic review. The ROWE score ranged from 81.7 to 94.3 in the knot-tying group and 86 to 96.3 in the knotless group. Visual Analog Scale scores at the final follow-up ranged from 0.1 to 1.7 in the knot-tying group and 0.7 to 2.5 in the knotless group. The rate of redislocation, subluxation, and revision surgery in the knot-tying group ranged from 0% to 14.7%, 16.7% to 29.7%, and 1.6% to 17.6%, respectively, whereas that in the knotless group ranged from 2.4% to 23.8%, 7.4% to 22.2%, and 2.4% to 19%, respectively. The mean external rotation was 54° to 65° in the knot-tying group and 61° to 99° in the knotless group. The mean forward-flexion was 164 to 172 in the knot-tying group and 165 to 174 in the knotless group. Our subjective synthesis does not reveal any difference in the outcome between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The available literature does not demonstrate a clear difference in functional outcomes, residual pain, and rate of complications as redislocation, subluxation, and revision surgery between Bankart repairs performed with knotted and knotless anchors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, systematic review of Level I to III studies.