Mid-term outcomes of the Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability: A retrospective study of 187 shoulders with an eight-year follow-up.

Purpose While the Latarjet procedure is a recognized intervention for glenohumeral instability, mid-term outcomes data, particularly regarding recurrence and complication rates, remain uncharacterized within the specified national context. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the mid-term clinical and functional results of the open Latarjet procedure for the management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

Methods A retrospective, descriptive cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing the open Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability between 2009 and 2017 at a single academic medical center. A total of 186 patients (187 shoulders) were included via census sampling. Primary outcome measures included postoperative pain assessed via a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional stability evaluated using the Rowe and Duplay-Walch scoring systems. Radiographic assessment for osteoarthritis and documentation of complications were performed.

Results The mean follow-up period was [If available, insert mean ± SD years]. The mean postoperative Duplay-Walch score was 84 ± 19.4. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the mean Rowe score, from 13.9 ± 19 preoperatively to 93.6 ± 14 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The rate of recurrent dislocation was 3.2 % (n = 6). Postoperative complications included the development of grade I osteoarthritis in 9.6 % (n = 18) and grade II in 2.1 % (n = 4) of shoulders, and musculocutaneous nerve neuropraxia in 1.1 % (n = 2) of cases. No instances of axillary nerve injury were recorded.

Conclusion The findings indicate that the open Latarjet procedure is an effective and reliable intervention for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, providing excellent mid-term stability with a low recurrence rate. The procedure was associated with predictable complication profiles, including a low risk of nerve injury and progressive glenohumeral arthritis, with minimal functional restriction in external rotation.

Level of evidence Level IV (Therapeutic Study, Case Series).