Outcomes of Arthroscopic Cortical-Button Latarjet Procedure with Minimum Five Year Follow-Up.

Introduction: The surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability with arthroscopic cortical-button Latarjet procedure has been the subject of very few medium and long-term studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic cortical-button Latarjet procedure with minimum 5 years follow-up.

Method: This is a monocentric retrospective study including 40 patients who have undergone shoulder stabilization with primary arthroscopic cortical-button Latarjet procedure and been reviewed with minimum 5 years follow-up. The average age at the time of surgery was 26.6 years (16 - 59; ± 10) and 92.5% were sporty individuals. The average ISI score was 6 points (2- 9; ± 1,6). The clinical evaluation involved active range of motion measurement, apprehension test, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores, SSV and Net Promoter Score. Radiologically, evolution of the bone graft and degenerative arthritis of the shoulder joint were analyzed at the last follow-up.

Results: At an average follow-up of 71 months (60 - 97; ± 12), 3 patients (7.5%) experienced recurrence as a dislocation or subluxation, which was responsible for revision in 1 case. Moreover, apprehension persisted in 6 (16%) patients. There were no significant restrictions in recovery of active ranges of motion, including external rotation. Return to sports was effective in 94.6% of cases. The average Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were 87 points (15 - 100; ± 20) and 88 points (15 - 100; ± 19) respectively. SSV was 91% (10 - 100; ± 16) and NET Promoter Score was 9.3 points (5 - 10; ± 1,3). Radiologically, degenerative arthritis occurred in 18.7% of patients, mainly asymptomatic stage 1 (9.4%). Bone healing was acquired in 72% of cases and partial lysis of the bone block in 41%.

Conclusion: At an average follow-up of 6 years, arthroscopic cortical-button Latarjet procedure effective, enabling return to sport in 95% of cases. Onset of asymptomatic arthritis seems similar to conventional techniques but justifies a more long-term follow-up.