Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder joint initiates from the first shoulder dislocation, compromising the associated ligaments for the stability of the shoulders. When the labrum is torn from the glenoid, the stable function of these ligaments is lost. Bankart surgery was described by Bankart in 1923, mainly referring to the direct repair of the avulsed labrum of the shoulder joint and the contraction of the anterior joint capsule and inferior glenohumeral ligament. Arthroscopic Bankart surgery is a widely recognized classical operation and the gold standard. However, due to the destruction of its normal anatomical structure, the partial labrum is absent for severe recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint, and the repair is more complicated.

To investigate the methods and clinical outcome of the subscapularis tendon partial transposition under arthroscopy for severe recurrent shoulder joint dislocation.

From February 2018 to February 2020, 26 patients with recurrent Bankart injuries associated with severe labrum wear underwent arthroscopic repair procedures. There were 17 males and 9 females with a mean age of 29 years (18-47 years) . The apprehension test, anterior drawer test, ASES score, and Rowe score were used to evaluate shoulder joint function and stability before and after surgery. The shoulder joint abduction, flexion, and external rotation range were recorded.

All patients were followed up to 2 years after surgery. The operative incision was healed without any dislocation. Two years after the operative, the apprehension test and anterior drawer test were negative, and the shoulder ASES score and Rowe score were significantly improved than the preoperative ones (P <0.05) .

For the severe recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder with partial labial absence, the subscapularis tendon partial transposition under arthroscopy can effectively restore the stability of the shoulder. And arthroscopic partial subscapularis tendon strengthening repair could effectively enhance the stability of the anterior shoulder. It is one of the promising methods for treating severe recurrent shoulder joint dislocation.