Evaluation of Latarjet procedure in female athletes: a 3-year follow-up prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND: Although there is a low incidence of shoulder instability in women, this population is still representative and is often associated with lower rates of return to sports. Few studies have evaluated the results of the Latarjet procedure in this population. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of female athletes who underwent the Latarjet procedure between 2013 and 2018. The participants were followed up for 3 years. The primary outcomes of the study included the visual analog scale for pain; range of motion: active elevation, passive elevation, active external rotation, and passive external rotation. The functional scores were as follows: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, and the Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale. Additional data were collected regarding return to sport, complication rates, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirteen female athletes who practice Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Judo, or Weight training were evaluated. There was a significant reduction in the mean range of motion for all movements at 4 weeks after surgery. Patients recovered a range of motion similar to the preoperative values after 6 months. The mean visual analog scale reached 6.39 at the first week after surgery and decreased to values below preop at 8 weeks. The mean preoperative Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index was 126.77 (min 118; max 135), and at the end of follow-up, the WOSI index was 45.08 (min 37; max 65; P < .05). The mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 41.61 (min 35; max 46), and at the end of follow-up, the mean ASES score was 84.46 (min 80; max 90; P < .05). The mean Athletic Shoulder Outcome Rating Scale in the preoperative period was 39.38 (min 37; max 42), and at the end of follow-up, the mean ASORS score was 83.15 (min 77; max 85; P < .05). The rate of return to sports was 92.3%, and 84.6% of patients were satisfied with the surgery. The aesthetic satisfaction rate was 76.9%. The complication rate was 15.4% (1 screw failure and 1 dislocation recurrence). CONCLUSION: Latarjet surgery in female athletes showed high rates of return to sports and improved functional scores without impairing range of motion after the procedure. Recurrence and complication rates were low. In addition, treatment was associated with improved functionality and patient satisfaction.