Sex-Based Differences in Recurrence Rates Following Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization: A Systematic Review

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effect that sex has on recurrence of anterior shoulder instability following primary arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization. Methods A systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was performed by searching PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies reporting recurrence rates following arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Patient demographics as well as preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative findings, including patient-reported outcomes and recurrence rates, were analyzed by 2 independent reviewers. Recurrence was defined as an episode of dislocation, subluxation or instability following primary arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization. Study methodological quality was evaluated with the Modified Coleman Methodology Score (MCMS). Risk bias was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS score). Descriptive statistics are presented. Results Ten studies (1 Level I, 1 Level II, 5 Level III, and 3 Level IV), including a total of 7,102 patients with primary traumatic and/or recurrent traumatic shoulder instability without previous procedures who underwent primary arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization, were included (mean follow-up, 34.6 months; mean age, 25.4 years). There was a total of 5,097 males (71.8%) and 2,005 females (28.2%). There was a higher recurrence rate in males (6%-37%) compared to females (0-32%). Clinical outcomes were inconsistently reported, so no quantitative analysis of clinical outcomes or return-to-sport between sexes was possible. The average MCMS of all 10 studies was 76.8 ± 8.0, indicating good methodology. Conclusions Males may have higher recurrence rates than females following primary arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization; however, the heterogeneity of the included studies precludes any definitive conclusions. Level of evidence IV, Systematic Review of Level I-IV.