Arthroscopic Trillat technique for chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability: outcomes at 2 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of a new arthroscopic Trillat technique at a 2-year follow-up. Our current hypothesis was that this technique could be used for the effective treatment of chronic post-traumatic unidirectional anterior shoulder instability, and that the recurrence and complication rates, external rotation, and functional outcomes would be as good as those of the reference technique.

METHODS

Between April 2012 and August 2016, all patients older than 16 years who underwent the arthroscopic Trillat technique for unidirectional chronic post-traumatic anterior shoulder instability at the Dijon University Hospital (France), after the failure of well-conducted medical and rehabilitation treatment with at least 24 months of follow-up, were included. Criteria for noninclusion were association with posterior and/or inferior instabilities, voluntary instabilities, and glenoid bone loss greater than 20%. Patients attended follow-up with their surgeon before the intervention, in the immediate postoperative period, at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and then by an independent observer for the last evaluation. Patients were then examined clinically with scores such as Constant, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores, and subjective shoulder value, for shoulder range of motion, and radiographically (anteroposterior and Lamy's lateral x-rays of the operated shoulder).

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients and 52 shoulders were included, with a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24-71 months). The recurrence rate of instability was 3.8% (2 of 52). No conversion to arthrotomy was necessary. No intraoperative complications, postoperative neurological lesions, or sepsis were observed. The mean Constant score was 92.1 (77.5-100) points, Walch-Duplay 82.9 (40-100), Rowe 81.73 (5-100), and subjective shoulder value 86.1 (50-100) at the last follow-up. The arm at side external rotation limitation averaged 8.4° (-25° to 40°) and the external rotation with 90° arm abduction limitation 0.34° (-5° to 15°). Forty-one patients (79%) resumed their sports activity at the same level. Fifty patients (96%) were satisfied to very satisfied. One patient developed nonunion of the coracoid process and subsequently underwent a Latarjet procedure with a good outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The arthroscopic Trillat procedure offers good outcomes as a first-line treatment for chronic anterior post-traumatic glenohumeral instability. It should be excluded in cases of glenoid loss greater than 20%.