Outcome of Modified Open Latarjet Operation in the Treatment of the Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Shoulder instability is defined as a symptomatic translation of the humeral head about the glenoid fossa during active shoulder motion. Anteroinferior glenoid bone loss or labrum avulsion is most often a consistent finding in recurrent dislocation. The modified open Latarjet procedure is one of the most effective methods of treatment for patients with recurrent shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. Aim: To determine the functional outcome of the congruent arc modification of the open Latarjet procedure. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare centre in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 25 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation underwent treatment using the modified open Latarjet procedure. Two patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in the evaluation of 23 patients. All patients underwent a 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scan to document glenoid bone loss. The intensity of pain, activity level, strength of abduction, and Range of Motion (ROM) were assessed to calculate the Constant Shoulder Score for pre- and postoperative evaluation of functional outcomes. Follow-ups were conducted at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The data was analysed using the Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to identify associations between various variables. Results: A total of 23 male patients aged between 18 and 63 years were included. The average age of patients was 30.35±11.27 years. Preoperatively, only 3 patients (13.04%) had good to excellent Constant Shoulder Scores. However, no statistically significant variation in Constant Score was observed three months after surgery. Six months post-surgery, 17 patients (73.92%) showed good to excellent scores. Nearly one year after surgery, 21 patients (91.3%) had good to excellent outcomes. At the final follow-up, 22 patients (95.65%) demonstrated good to excellent outcomes. A statistically significant improvement in good to excellent scores was noted six months postoperatively (p-value <0.001). A total of 20 patients (86.96%) achieved full ROM, with only 3 patients (13.04%) reporting mild to moderate limitations in shoulder ROM. None of the patients experienced redislocation, and the apprehension test was positive in only one patient. Conclusion: The modified open Latarjet procedure is a reliable method for providing stability and Self confidence to patients with recurrent shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss.

Keywords

• congruent arc latarjet technique
• constant shoulder score
• coracoid bone block
• coracoid transfer
• recurrent glenohumeral instability