Early outcomes of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure in a series of 37 patients with shoulder instability

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder dislocation remains a clinical challenge. This study aimed to assess the graft position and clinical outcomes of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and capsular repair for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with significant glenoid bone loss in 37 patients. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2017, 37 patients underwent arthroscopic Latarjet plus capsular repair procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation combined with significant glenoid bone loss. In follow-up examinations, Walch-Duplay scores, subjective shoulder value (SSV) scores, Rowe scores, and active range of motion (AROM) were assessed. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) was used to evaluate coracoid graft position and bone resorption. A new method of evaluating the position of the coracoid bone block after Latarjet (H-Z method) was developed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were included in this study. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 36 months postoperatively (with an average of 13 months). No recurrent dislocation occurred at the final follow-up, and there was no significant effect on the AROM (all p > 0.05). Rowe (from 42.2 ± 5.6 to 91.1 ± 3.3), Walch-Duplay (from 31.5 ± 8.0 to 92.6 ± 3.7), and SSV (from 63.9 ± 6.1 to 79.3% ± 5.0%) scores were improved significantly after surgery (all p < 0.001). CT showed that the 29 patients had varying degrees of bone resorption, and 23 recovered to the preinjury level of motional function within 6–12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In active patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocations and significant glenoid bone loss, the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure plus capsular repair could restore shoulder stability satisfactory.