Recurrence and return to sport after surgery for shoulder instability: arthroscopic Bankart versus Latarjet procedure

Arthroscopic Trillat technique for chronic anterior shoulder instability: outcomes at 2-year follow-up in 74 at-risk sports patients

BACKGROUND

Chronic anterior shoulder instability affects a young and athletic population, with a high demand for functional recovery and return to sport. The arthroscopic Trillat dynamic stabilization technique has shown great results at 2 years in terms of stabilization and functional outcomes on the general population. The hypothesis is that it could do so in at-risk for dislocation athletic population for stabilization and return to sport, with results comparable to the reference techniques.

METHODS

This is a multicenter retrospective study of Walch-Duplay type 2, 3, and 4 at-risk sports patients treated by arthroscopic Trillat for chronic anterior shoulder instability between January 2012 and January 2021, at a 2-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of dislocation recurrence. Secondary endpoints were subluxation recurrence, functional outcomes, time and level of return to sport, functional scores, bony fusion, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 24.4 years (15-50 years). Sports levels were moderate risk of dislocation Walch-Duplay type 2 for n = 34 (46%), medium-risk Walch-Duplay type 3 for n = 19 (26%), and high-risk Walch-Duplay type 4 for n = 21 (28%). Dislocation recurred in 3 patients (4.1%). All patients (100%) returned to sport, with an average delay of 4.6 months, with 56 (76%) returning to the same previous level. The mean Constant score was 94.5 (79-100), the Rowe score was 94.7 (70-100), the Walch-Duplay score was 90.2 (50-100), and the Shoulder Subjective Value score was 90.5 (65-100). Subgroup analysis of athletes at moderate risk of dislocation recurrence (Walch-Duplay type 2) vs. medium and high risk of dislocation recurrence (Walch-Duplay types 3 and 4) revealed no statistically significant difference. One patient presented with asymptomatic pseudarthrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic Trillat offers highly satisfactory results in the treatment of chronic anterior shoulder instability for athletes regardless of the type of sport practiced and the type of risk according to Walch-Duplay. This simple and quick technique enables a rapid return to sport and at the previous level in the majority of cases. After showing its effectiveness in the general population at 2 years, arthroscopic Trillat offers a reliable alternative to the reference procedures in young athletic patients.

Risk factors for recurrence after Latarjet procedure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk factors associated with recurrent instability following Latarjet procedure remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review to elucidate risk factors contributing to therapeutic failure after the Latarjet procedure.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies that evaluated risk factors for recurrence of instability following the Latarjet procedure that were published after 2000 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies, encompassing 3166 patients, were included in the analysis, identifying 13 risk factors. Four studies, comprising 206 patients, evaluated the role of epilepsy as a risk factor for recurrence, with 75% (3) finding a statistically significant increased risk. Meta-analysis demonstrated a recurrence rate of 16.7% (7/42) in epilepsy patients compared with 2.5% (3/119) for those without (P = .003). Previous stabilization surgery was evaluated in 3 studies, with 2 finding increased risk. Meta-analysis revealed a recurrence rate of 17.5% (45/257) for patients with a previous stabilization surgery compared with 5.1% (26/512) for patients undergoing a primary Latarjet procedure. Two studies investigated coracoid width, with 1 finding an increased risk for narrow coracoid measurements. One study found a 4-fold increased risk of recurrence in patients with an engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. However, another study found no difference in the recurrence rate for patients with engaging Hill-Sachs lesions with glenoid bone loss greater than 25%.

CONCLUSION

The rate of recurrent instability following the Latarjet procedure is inherently low. However, epilepsy and previous stabilization surgery appear to be significant risk factors for recurrence. Other reported risk factors include fixation technique, glenoid bone loss, off-track Hill-Sachs lesions, and bilateral shoulder instability.

Recurrence, Return to Sport, and Reoperation Rates Appear Similar Between Males and Females After Surgery for Anterior Shoulder Instability: Future Research Requires Disaggregation by Sex

PURPOSE

To evaluate sex-based disparities in outcomes following surgery for anterior shoulder instability and to assess the quality of the current literature on this topic.

METHODS

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a June 2023 database search (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cinahl) identified Level I to III clinical studies on anterior shoulder instability (January 2003 to May 2023). Eligible studies included male and female outcomes after anterior shoulder stabilization. Systematic reviews, case reports, and case series were excluded. A meta-analysis examined sex-specific results: recurrence, reoperation, return to sport, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (WOSI) index.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 7,028 studies, with 14 meeting inclusion criteria, totaling 1,262 patients (73.9% male, 26.1% female). Of the studies, 53% were excluded due to failure to disaggregate by sex. The meta-analysis found comparable outcomes by sex for recurrence (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.50; P = .77), reoperation rate (OR = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.69-1.02; P = .08), or return to sport (OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.54-2.22; P = .81) after arthroscopic Bankart, open Bankart, and open Latarjet procedures. Mean ASES scores were 91.08 ± 13.59 standard error of the mean (SEM) for males and 89.85 ± 16.73 SEM for females, while WOSI scores were 81.32 ± 19.23 SEM and 87.26 ± 14.09 SEM, respectively. Comparable outcomes were found in ASES (mean difference = -1.20; 95% CI, -4.28 to 1.88; P = .45) or WOSI scores (mean difference = 4.94; 95% CI, -0.31 to 10.00; P = .06).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence, return to sport, and reoperation rates were similar between males and females after arthroscopic Bankart, open Bankart, and open Latarjet procedures. Comparable outcomes were found in postoperative ASES and WOSI scores between sexes. Most relevant studies were excluded due to lack of disaggregation by sex, limiting the certainty of the conclusion and suggesting an opportunity to improve future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level I and III studies.

Preoperative imaging predicts coracoid graft size and restoration of the glenoid track in Latarjet procedures

Background

Glenoid bone grafting procedures are often utilized to address glenoid bone loss in patients with recurrent shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to determine if preoperative advanced imaging can accurately predict coracoid graft size and conversion of off-track to on-track Hill-Sachs lesions in patients undergoing Latarjet procedures.

Methods

Patients who underwent Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability at a single institution from 2012 to 2020 with preoperative and postoperative advanced shoulder imaging (computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans) were retrospectively reviewed. Glenoid diameter, Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), and measurements of the coracoid length, depth, and height were measured on preoperative imaging. Glenoid track (GT), percent glenoid bone loss, predicted restoration of GT, and the difference between HSI and GT (ΔHSI-GT) were calculated.

Results

Seventeen patients with a mean age of 25 ± 9 years met inclusion criteria. Average glenoid bone loss preoperatively was 24 ± 7% and average HSI was 27 ± 5mm. The Latarjet procedure reconstructed 116 ± 8% of the native glenoid, and 104 ± 8% of the predicted diameter. Of the 15 patients that had off-track lesions preoperatively, 11 were successfully converted to on-track lesions (73%). The 4 persistent off-track lesions had a significantly higher HSI (32 ± 2 mm vs. 26 ± 4 mm, P = .002). Preoperative measurements accurately predicted postoperative GT status in 94% of cases. At a mean follow-up of 2 years, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate or rate of revision stabilization procedures between patients with on-track versus persistent off-track humeral lesions.

Conclusion

Preoperative advanced imaging measurements can accurately predict whether an off-track Hill-Sachs can be converted to on-track after Latarjet procedure, further enhancing shoulder stability.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair vs. Latarjet procedure for recurrent shoulder instability: a meta-analysis of clinical outcomes and complication rates in general and athletic populations

BACKGROUND

The Bankart repair and Latarjet procedure are both effective surgical methods for treating repeated recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. However, there is still little consensus regarding the standard treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Typically, the choice of treatment has been influenced more by training and tradition rather than the existing evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare patient-reported outcomes, recurrence, and complications between the 2 procedures, among both athletic and nonathletic cohorts.

METHODS

Relevant clinical trials were identified through a systematic search of databases in April 2023 including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies were included if they compared patient-reported outcomes or complication rates of open Latarjet procedure vs. arthroscopic Bankart repair. Continuous data, such as patient-reported outcomes were pooled as the weighted mean difference. For dichotomous data such as recurrence and revision rates, the pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated using random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one clinical studies (3 randomized controlled trials) were included in the meta-analysis involving a total of 13,176 operated shoulders. Arthroscopic Bankart showed a 3.08 times higher risk of recurrence and revision due to postoperative instability (RR = 3.08, 95% CI 2.03-4.68) compared with those who had the Latarjet approach. The Rowe score was higher in the Latarjet group by an average of 4.55 points (95% CI 2.41-6.68). This difference was more pronounced in athletes, with an increase of 5.47 points (95% CI 0.16-10.78), compared with the nonathletic population: 4.03 (95% CI 2.04-6.02). Return to sport time was shorter by 0.40 months (95% CI -0.75 to -0.05) in the Latarjet group. The total complication rate was approximately 47% lower in the Bankart group (RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.90). Additionally, the risk of hematoma was 75% lower in patients undergoing the arthroscopic Bankart compared with the Latarjet procedure. External rotation, assessed both in abduction and adduction of the arm, as well as forward elevation, show no significant differences between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the Latarjet procedure has a lower recurrence rate, excels in patient-reported outcomes, and requires less time for return to sports. Thus, it may be a superior alternative to arthroscopic Bankart repair. However, it is still associated with a higher incidence of complications.

High Rate of Return to Sport in Contact and Collision Athletes After Arthroscopic Latarjet With Cortical Button Fixation

BACKGROUND

Contact and collision athletes face a higher risk of recurrent anterior shoulder instability after surgical stabilization. The Latarjet procedure is often preferred given the high incidence of bony lesions. However, this stabilizing procedure, performed either open or arthroscopically, is met with concerns regarding complications and revision surgery rates.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the return to sport (RTS) and assess complication and instability recurrence rates in contact/collision athletes undergoing the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using a guided technique with suture buttons for coracoid fixations.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on contact/collision athletes who underwent the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between January 2011 and March 2018. All patients were operated on arthroscopically using glenoid and coracoid guides and suture button fixation of the transferred coracoid. RTS was defined as the patient being able to participate in his or her activity without any restriction postoperatively. Two independent observers assessed patients using postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate coracoid positioning and healing. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors associated with persistent apprehension. A group comparison was performed to assess RTS failure risk factors.

RESULTS

In 136 contact/collision athletes (mean age, 25 ± 7 years), 93% were satisfied, and 98% achieved shoulder stability at a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 24-117 months). No suture button-related complications or neurovascular issues were reported. Overall, 82% (112/136) returned to contact/collision sports. The mean time to RTS was 5.3 ± 1.2 months (range, 3-7.3 months). In a CT study performed 2 weeks after surgery, 87% (118/136) of bone grafts were positioned below the equator and 93% (126/136) were flush to the glenoid surface. At the 6-month postoperative CT examination, complete bone block healing was achieved in 84% (114/136). On clinical examination at the latest follow-up, 36 patients (26%) reported some anterior apprehension on testing. On multivariate analysis, patients with severe humeral bone defects (medium to large Hill-Sachs lesions, Calandra grade 2 or 3) had a higher risk of postoperative persistent apprehension. On group comparison, a visual analog scale score >3 and persistent anterior apprehension were found to be associated with failure of RTS.

CONCLUSION

The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture button fixation allowed 82% of athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability to return to contact or collision sports. Patients with severe humeral bone defects have a higher risk of persistent anterior apprehension and decreased RTS. The arthroscopic-guided procedure with suture button fixation is safe; accurate, with a high rate of anatomic graft positioning and healing; and reliable, with a low recurrence rate.

Management of bone loss in anterior shoulder instability

Bone defects are frequently observed in anterior shoulder instability. Over the last decade, knowledge of the association of bone loss with increased failure rates of soft-tissue repair has shifted the surgical management of chronic shoulder instability. On the glenoid side, there is no controversy about the critical glenoid bone loss being 20%. However, poor outcomes have been described even with a subcritical glenoid bone defect as low as 13.5%. On the humeral side, the Hill-Sachs lesion should be evaluated concomitantly with the glenoid defect as the two sides of the same bipolar lesion which interact in the instability process, as described by the glenoid track concept. We advocate adding remplissage to every Bankart repair in patients with a Hill-Sachs lesion, regardless of the glenoid bone loss. When critical or subcritical glenoid bone loss occurs in active patients (> 15%) or bipolar off-track lesions, we should consider anterior glenoid bone reconstructions. The techniques have evolved significantly over the last two decades, moving from open procedures to arthroscopic, and from screw fixation to metal-free fixation. The new arthroscopic techniques of glenoid bone reconstruction procedures allow precise positioning of the graft, identification, and treatment of concomitant injuries with low morbidity and faster recovery. Given the problems associated with bone resorption and metal hardware protrusion, the new metal-free techniques for Latarjet or free bone block procedures seem a good solution to avoid these complications, although no long-term data are yet available.

Primary bone graft stability after Latarjet surgery: biomechanical evaluation of a fixation technique with metal-free all-suture cerclage vs. cortical screws

BACKGROUND

To reduce hardware-related complications in coracoid graft fixation to the anterior aspect of the glenoid, a metal-free Latarjet technique was recently introduced. The aim of this study was to compare the primary stability of a classic Latarjet procedure with 2 metal screws to a novel metal-free, all-suture cerclage method. It is hypothesized that fixation of the coracoid graft with 2 malleolar screws will provide higher primary stability compared with an all-suture cerclage technique.

METHODS

This biomechanical in vitro study was conducted on 12 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (6 matched pairs) with a mean donor age of 80 years (range, 67-89 years). Coracoid graft fixation was performed using a recently introduced all-suture cerclage technique (group A) or a classic Latarjet technique with two 4.5-mm malleolar screws (group B). The conjoint tendon was loaded with a static force of 10 N to simulate the sling effect. Graft loading with a probe head consisted of 6 ascending load levels (10-50 N, 10-100 N, 10-150 N, 10-200 N, 10-250 N, and 10-300 N) with 100 cycles each at 1 Hz. Relative motion of the bone graft to the glenoid was measured using an optic 3-dimensional system.

RESULTS

While loading the conjoint tendon with 10 N, no difference in mean displacement of the bone-graft was found between both groups (P = .144). During cyclic loading, a significant difference in relative displacement for both groups was already detected in load level 1 (group A: 2398.8 μm vs. group B: 125.7 μm; P = .024), and this trend continued with the following load levels (P < .05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that the innovative metal-free, all-suture cerclage fixation technique results in higher micromotion than the classic coracoid graft fixation with 2 malleolar screws. According to the present biomechanical investigation, shoulders treated with a metal-free all-suture cerclage technique might need adapted rehabilitation protocols to protect the construct and allow for graft healing.

Arthroscopic Coracoid Transfer in the Lateral Decubitus Position is Safe and Effective at Short-Term Follow-Up

Purpose

To report on operative and clinical outcomes in a series of shoulders treated with arthroscopic Latarjet performed in the lateral decubitus position.

Methods

Patients with shoulders that underwent arthroscopic Latarjet in the lateral decubitus position were identified. Data were retrospectively collected, including patient demographics, operative times, intra- and postoperative complications, and clinical and functional outcomes. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Eighteen shoulders in 17 patients were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 14 ± 12.1 months (range, 4-39 months). The mean operative time for all procedures was 132.2 ± 18.0 minutes, and the mean operative time for the first half of the cohort was significantly longer than that of the second half (141.6 ± 14.2 minutes vs 122.8 ± 17.0 minutes, P = .02). There were no intraoperative complications, and no patients required a conversion to open surgery. One patient experienced a recurrent dislocation after a traumatic event but was able to be treated nonoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were able to be collected on 8 of 18 patients (44.4%). Although all PROMs demonstrated improvements postoperatively, only the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Index displayed a statistically significant increase (P < .05). Five of 8 (62.5%) shoulders demonstrated bony fusion on postoperative computed tomography scan. Of those eligible, 100% of patients returned to sport or felt that they could return if they wanted to.

Conclusions

The arthroscopic Latarjet is an effective procedure for managing glenohumeral instability and can safely be performed in the lateral decubitus position.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Editorial Commentary: Shoulder Bankart and Latarjet Procedures Show Different Complications at Different Time Periods

In patients with shoulder instability, arthroscopic Bankart procedure results in a high recurrence rate if there is associated bone loss, even small-to-moderate bone loss. The Latarjet procedure mitigates against recurrence in such cases but has greater short-term (30-day) complications than an arthroscopic Bankart and a greater rate of revision or reoperation. In truth, short-term complications are low with both procedures. That said, complications after arthroscopic Bankart are less likely to manifest in the short term, and possible future failure is generally not discovered until after a patient is released and returns to sports and/or greater levels of activity. The ultimate pros and cons of each procedure require long-term follow-up. That said, in the short term after Latarjet, surgeons should be mindful to monitor for early infection, hematoma, and hardware malposition or failure. In the long term after Latarjet, surgeons could monitor for graft resorption, nonunion of the graft, hardware prominence, and postsurgical arthritis.

Significant Increase in Early Reoperation After Latarjet-Bristow Procedure Versus Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis

PURPOSE

To compare the 30-day outcomes, including length of stay, short-term complications, hospital readmission, all-cause reoperation, and death after arthroscopic Bankart (AB) and Latarjet.

METHODS

Patients in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who had undergone either AB or Latarjet-Bristow (LB) procedures for anterior shoulder instability from 2012 to 2018 were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Nearest neighbor propensity score matching was used to address any potential demographic differences. The 30-day incidence of postoperative complications were compared, and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify risk factors associated with the incidence of post-operative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 7,519 patients were identified, with 6,990 (93.0%) undergoing AB and 529 (7.0%) LB. After propensity score matching, the baseline demographics were not significantly different (P > .05). There was no significant difference in rate of total adverse events between the AB and LB cohorts (P = .06). There was a significant difference in the rate of return to the operating room between LB (1.9%) when compared to AB (0%) (P < .001). Of reoperations, 40% were due to need for revision stabilization (0.8% of all LB cases) and 40% were for irrigation and debridement. There was also a significant difference in operative time (AB = 87 minutes, LB = 131 minutes; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall 30-day complication rates were low for both groups, with similar rates among AB and LB patients. However, there was a statistically significant increased rate of short-term reoperation or revision stabilization in the LB cohort.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Majority of Studies Show Similar Rates of Return to Play After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair or Latarjet Procedure: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To systematically review the current evidence in the literature to compare return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet procedure for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A literature search was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Comparative studies reporting return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair versus open Latarjet procedure were included. Return to play was compared, with all statistical analysis performed using Review Manager, Version 5.3.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 1,242 patients (mean age: 15-30 years) were included. The rate of return to play was 61% to 94.1% among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 72% to 96.8% in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure. Two studies (Bessiere et al. and Zimmerman et al.) found a significant difference in favor of the Latarjet procedure (P < .05 for both, I2 = 37%). The rate of return to play at preinjury level was 9% to 83.8% among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 19.4% to 80.6% in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure, with no study finding a significant difference (P > .05 for all, I2 = 0%). The mean time of return to play was 5.4 to 7.3 months among those undergoing arthroscopic Bankart repair and 5.5 to 6.2 months in those undergoing an open Latarjet procedure, with no study finding a significant difference (P > .05 for all, I2 = 39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the majority of studies showed no significant difference in rates of return to play or timing following arthroscopic Bankart repair or open Latarjet procedure. Furthermore, no study has found a significant difference in rate of return to play at pre-injury level, or rate of return to play among collision athletes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, systematic review of Level I-III studies.

Psychological Factors That Affect Return to Sport After Surgical Intervention for Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review

Background

Recent advances have begun to identify the nonphysical factors facilitating successful return to sport (RTS) after shoulder instability surgery, yet little is currently known regarding psychological factors and RTS.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The purposes of this study were to (1) identify psychological factors associated with RTS, (2) evaluate the prognostic utility of various psychological factors, and (3) evaluate the available metrics used to assess psychological RTS readiness. It was hypothesized that psychological factors would be identified as critical elements influencing a patient's RTS.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Clinical studies reporting on the psychological determinants of RTS for patients who had surgery for shoulder instability between 1996 and 2022 were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Demographic, clinical, and psychometric properties were extracted for pooled weighted analysis.

Results

Of the 969 studies screened, 24 (2.5%) met inclusion criteria. Overall, 2135 patients were included (mean age, 26.0 years; range, 17.4-35.5 years; 84.7% male). The mean time to RTS was 6.8 months (range, 3.7-11.9 months). There was a 76.3% rate of any RTS; of the 1212 patients who reported level of play at return, 305 (25.2%) were unable to perform at their prior level. Psychological reasons were cited by 85% (n = 360) of patients who did not RTS. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason (n = 154; 42.8%); other psychological factors included lack of confidence (n = 46; 12.8%), anxiety (n = 45; 12.5%), depression (n = 44; 12.2%), psychosocial factors (n = 48; 13.3%), and lack of motivation (n = 23; 6.4%). The Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self Report, Degree of Shoulder Involvement in Sports, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey were reported measures for assessing psychology and RTS.

Conclusion

Fear of reinjury was found to be the most commonly reported impediment to RTS. The psychological characteristics identified through this review may be incorporated into future RTS protocols seeking to address resilience and nonphysical factors associated with RTS.

Safety-driven master's technique of the Latarjet-Walch procedure and its short-term complications: experience in a study of 150 consecutive patients

Background

Although the classic open Latarjet has a low recurrence rate in unstable shoulders, this advantage may be offset by the higher number of complications. We aimed to report the safety-driven nuanced steps and the resulting short-term complications of the Latarjet-Walch technique.

Methods

Between 2016 and 2022, 150 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure following the key safety-driven technical steps were retrospectively evaluated for intraoperative and short-term (3 months) complications. The complications were divided into 3 types: Any adverse event that did not need a change in the treatment protocol was a type 1 complication. An event that resulted in a prolongation of rehabilitation protocol or an additional medical line of treatment was classified as type 2, and an event that resulted in readmission, a resurgery, or one that affected the outcome was classified as a type 3 complication.

Results

There were 12 (8%) short-term complications in 9 patients. Neurological complications were noted in 3 (2%) patients (1 axillary nerve injury, 1 suprascapular nerve injury, and 1 musculocutaneous nerve injury). Type 1 complications were noted in 2 patients: 2 patients had hematoma that was detected as superficial swelling, but no surgical drainage was needed, and both resolved at their 1-month follow-up. Type 2 complications were noted in 4 patients. One patient had surgical site infection and a second patient had superficial wound dehiscence in the lower part of the wound. The third patient had suprascapular nerve paresis and the fourth had musculocutaneous nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. Both nerve injuries recovered completely after 6 months of rehabilitation. Type 3 complications were noted in 3 patients. One patient had axillary nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. The axillary nerve palsy had recovered partially by 8 months. One patient had an intraoperative graft fracture and postoperative shoulder stiffness, and the third patient had shoulder stiffness.

Conclusion

Following the safety-driven nuanced steps in the Latarjet-Walch procedure, the short-term complication rate was 8%, and the neurological complication was 2% (n = 3). The musculocutaneous and suprascapular nerves completely recovered, and the axillary nerve had partially recovered.

[Chronic posttraumatic shoulder instability]

Chronic posttraumatic shoulder instability is characterized by trauma-associated, recurrent dislocations. Surgical treatment is indicated in most cases but it remains controversial how risk factors should be weighted to decide between arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), Latarjet or alternative procedures. Known risk factors for recurrence are patient age, hyperlaxity, sports profile and bone loss. Surgical techniques are discussed in detail. The ABR leads to high patient satisfaction and return to sports; however, in association with risk factors, recurrent dislocations are seen even several years later. Latarjet or bone block procedures lead to high patient satisfaction, sustainable stability as a revision procedure, but can also be primarily indicated for chronic instability depending on risk factors. Early complications are more frequent but of a minor nature in most cases. All techniques are known for a serious learning curve. If performed well, they do not seem to increase the risk of arthritis, which is most affected by the number of lifetime dislocations and higher energy trauma.

Clinical outcomes following open anterior shoulder stabilization for glenohumeral instability in the young collision athlete

BACKGROUND

Anterior glenohumeral instability occurs most commonly in those aged 15-29, with 72% of individuals younger than 22 years suffering recurrent episodes; collision athletes are at particular risk. In the setting of subcritical glenoid bone loss, arthroscopic Bankart repair is widely used despite concerns of recurrent dislocations when compared with open techniques. Furthermore, indications for bone-block procedures are evolving with the Latarjet procedure being favored amongst recent authors as a primary stabilization method in elite and contact athletes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy of open modified Bankart stabilization in treating anterior glenohumeral instability in young collision athletes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of outcomes of consecutive patients aged 15-20 years who underwent unilateral or bilateral open stabilization for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability over a 7-year period (2007-2015). The cohort was selected as recent literature suggests that this is the group with the highest redislocation rate and poorest outcomes. Outcome assessments included redislocation rate, return to sport, pain score, patient-related satisfaction scores, and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients (55 male: 5 female) of mean age 18 years (range: 15-20 years) were available for follow-up at 7 years. All but 3 were competitive athletes with 18 competing regionally and 9 internationally; rugby union and rugby league represent the most common sports. Fifty-five of 60 (92%) have returned to their desired level of sport with 62% of athletes returning to their previous level of competition sport and 1 retuning at a higher level. The mean postoperative pain score was 2.5/10. The mean time to return to play was 14 months (range: 5-48 months). Eight of 60 shoulders reported redislocation (13%), 7 of these being traumatic dislocations after return to high-impact sporting activities. At 7 years of follow-up, 4 of 60 shoulders (7%) had undergone revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

Young collision athletes represent a challenging cohort of instability patients. This study of open modified Bankart in young collision sport athletes revealed excellent outcomes with 92% return to sport and a low revision rate. The results from this cohort rival those of arthroscopic repair. The open procedure described here in this 7-year series represents a robust, reliable technique that could be considered as an alternative to arthroscopic Bankart due to concern for recurrence, while avoiding potential morbidity and complication of bone-block procedures. There is still a role for the open modified Bankart procedure in treating traumatic anterior instability.

Comparison of perioperative complications following surgical treatment of shoulder instability

Background

Surgical repair for shoulder instability includes arthroscopic Bankart, open Bankart, and Latarjet-Bristow.

Methods

This is a cohort study of patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart, open Bankart, or Latarjet-Bristow procedures that were identified within the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2007-2019). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed (α = 0.05). Outcomes included 30-day adverse events, readmission, and operative time.

Results

This study included 10,955 patients (9128 arthroscopic Bankart, 1148 open Bankart, and 679 Latarjet-Bristow). Compared with arthroscopic Bankart, Latarjet-Bristow had longer operative times (129.96 [95% CI: 126.49-133.43] vs. 86.35 [85.51-87.19] minutes), along with a higher percentage of serious adverse events (2.5% vs. 0.4%), reoperation (1.9% vs. 0.1%), readmission (1.8% vs. 0.3%), thromboembolic complications (0.4% vs. 0.1%), and sepsis (0.4% vs. 0.0%) (P < .05 for all). Open Bankart had longer operative times (98.17 [95.52-100.82] vs. 86.35 [85.51-87.19] minutes) and a higher percentage of sepsis (0.2% vs. 0.0%) (P < .05 both). Latarjet-Bristow had increased odds of a serious adverse event (odds ratio [OR]: 7.68 [4.19-14.07]), reoperation (OR: 17.32 [7.58-39.56]), readmission (OR: 5.73 [2.84-11.54]), and deep wound complications (OR: 14.98 [3.92-57.23]) (P < .05 for all). In comparing the relative utilization of arthroscopic versus open Bankart, arthroscopic Bankart increased (83.4% to 91.2%) while open Bankart decreased (16.6% to 8.8%) from the 2011-2013 time period to 2017-2019 (P trend < .001).

Conclusion

In addition to a low complication rate, the relative utilization of arthroscopic Bankart increased compared with open Bankart over the past decade. Furthermore, Latarjet-Bristow was associated with a higher incidence of serious adverse events than arthroscopic Bankart.