Does plate fixation improve the Latarjet procedure for anterior glenohumeral instability?

The Latarjet technique is a procedure used to treat anterior glenohumeral instability with glenoid bone loss. Various fixation systems for the coracoid have been described in the literature. This study aims to compare the results in quality of life and complications between patients treated with plate and screws (GP) and those with screws only (GSP) for coracoid fixation.

Material and methods: A retrospective study including patients with anterior glenohumeral instability and glenoid bone loss treated with Latarjet at the same center between October 2009 and February 2021. A total of 85 shoulders were analyzed, of which 64 completed at least one year of follow-up. Patients with previous surgical history in the same shoulder, bone loss <10%, ligamentous hyperlaxity (Beighton score >6), and previous infections were excluded. Complications were recorded, and the WOSI and Rowe tests were used to assess quality of life and return to sports activity.

Results: Of the 64 patients, 35 were treated with a plate (GP) and 29 with screws (GSP). The mean age was 30±8.78years. Both groups were statistically comparable. No significant differences were found in the WOSI test (P=.140), the Rowe test (P=.380) or in complications (P=.692). A higher percentage of the GP group returned to sports activity (77.1% GP vs. 51.7% GSP, P=.039).

Conclusions: No statistically differences were observed in quality of life, complications, or re-dislocations. However, the use of a plate showed a greater predisposition to return to sports activity (P=.039) in patients with anterior glenohumeral instability.