Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Patients Operated by the Bristow-Latarjet Technique with a Minimum Follow-Up of 20 Years

Objective To verify the results of 27 patients submitted to surgery from 1990 to 1997 by the Bristow-Latarjet technique for the treatment of anterior traumatic instability of the shoulder. The analysis included the possible complications, especially the appearance of arthropathy. Methods The subjective clinical evaluation was performed through a questionnaire answered by the patients, and the objective evaluation was performed using the Rowe et al score. The radiographic evaluation was performed using the anteroposterior (true) incidence to detect signs of shoulder arthrosis, according to the classification of Samilson and Prieto, as well as the apical oblique and the Bernageau and Patte incidences to verify the consolidation of the bone graft, the position of the screw and of the graft, and signs of the release of the synthesis material. These evaluations were performed by two examiners at different times without interference between them. Results In the subjective assessment of the patients, 93% were fully recovered, and, in the objective evaluation, the average was 95 points on the Rowe et al score. Complications related to coracoid placement were not found. The degree of arthropathy of the shoulders, according to the Samilson and Prieto classification, presented an average of seven mild cases, two moderate cases and one severe case. In total, 17 patients did not present arthropathy. Conclusion Between the first and second evaluations, there was no change in the efficacy of the Bristow-Latarjet technique. The careful observation of the criteria of the technique was fundamental to avoid complications. The occurrence of arthropathy in the long term was not relevant in our evaluation. Based on the evidences of the present study, the surgical procedure alone is not the cause of the onset of the arthropathy, but the failure in its execution.