To evaluate prospectively the results of early active exercise after open Bankart repair of traumatic anterior shoulder instability.

From January, 2001 to June, 2003, 26 patients who were followed up at least 1 year after open Bankart repair for traumatic anterior shoulder instability were evaluated. Average age was 23.9 years old (range, 19~43) with 24 males and 2 females. We evaluated them using the functional shoulder scores (modified Rowe score, ASES score), range of motion, VAS pain scale, patient's subjective satisfaction and return to unlimited daily living activity.

The shoulder functional scores increased significantly. At last follow up, the final range of motion were flexion in average 5° deficit in comparison to normal side, external rotation in average 10o deficit, and internal rotation in T9. The patient's subjective satisfaction was good in 2l patients (81%). Return to unlimited daily activity was possible in 23 patients (88.5%), and 19 patients (73%) rejoined to sports activity before injury. There were complications including anterior recurrent subluxation in 1 case, weakness of subscapularis muscle in 1 case.

In traumatic anterior shoulder instability, early active range of motion exercise after open Bankart repair does not decrease shoulder stability. Early exercise can be useful for returning to previous level of sports activity in young active patients.