Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder; a twenty-four year study of the Johannesburg stapling operation.

1. In traumatic recurrent dislocation of the shoulder, a diagnosis of the Bankart lesion may be given with confidence and the operation planned accordingly. 2. The unsatisfactory results that sometimes occur after the stapling operation appear to be due to technical failure or to lack of judgement in diagnosing the lesion. 3. In cases of congenital abnormal mobility of the shoulder, the stapling operation is not the best procedure to use. 4. Where the Bankart lesion is present, the cure may be achieved by repairing the lesion only. There is almost never any need for additional procedures such as overlapping of the capsule, plication, or suspension. 5. Permanent disability is minimal after this procedure because no anatomical damage need be done. 6. Complications are rare, and no serious complications arising out of the use of staples were found in this series. 7. The remote prognosis for the patients in this series appears to be satisfactory. 8. The stapling operation has been found a simple and efficient alternative to the original dental drilling and suture of the Bankart operation.