Complications of the open latarjet procedure are not related to the learning curve: Analysis after 11 years of experience

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine a relationship between complications of the open Latarjet procedure with the surgeon's learning curve during an 11-year experience in shoulder surgery. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive observational case series of all open Latarjet procedures performed by a single shoulder surgeon between June 2011 and September 2021. Latarjet procedure was indicated in patients with glenoid bone defects of more than 15% or revision after a failed Bankart repair. Complications were recorded as well as patients' demographic data. We described the time between surgery and complication and correlated complication presentation with the surgeon's surgical curve. Results: Sixty-two consecutive patients were included (96, 8% male patients with an average age of 30 years). Eight patients presented with a complication (12, 5% of all patients). These complications were classified as graft related (n = 3), hardware related (n = 3), wound related (n = 1), and other (n = 1). There were no instability recurrences and no neurologic injuries. Complications were present in all periods of the surgeon's learning curve. Conclusions: The Latarjet procedure is technically demanding and complications can be present regardless of the surgeon's learning curve. Nevertheless, it is a successful procedure in most patients, with a low recurrence rate of instability.