Clinical and radiographic outcomes of open Latarjet procedure in patients aged 40 years or older.

BACKGROUND

The Latarjet procedure is often used to treat shoulder instability in younger patients. Little is reported on the outcomes of this procedure in older (≥40 years) populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients aged 40 years or older with recurrent anterior shoulder instability who underwent open Latarjet stabilization.

METHODS

A total of 168 patients aged 40 years or older were treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability with an open Latarjet procedure between 1988 and 2014. Bankart lesions or anteroinferior glenoid fractures were confirmed preoperatively with a computed tomography arthrogram. Outcomes were assessed with preoperative and postoperative physical examinations, clinical outcome scoring, and radiographic examinations.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients with complete data were available with a mean follow-up period of 13 years (range, 3-23 years). At the time of final follow-up, 94% of patients did not have recurrence of instability. Of the patients, 90% were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcomes and 54% returned to their preinjury level of activity. The overall complication rate was 21% (the most common complications being subjective apprehension [9%] and recurrent instability [6%]), with 9% of patients requiring reoperation. A full-thickness rotator cuff requiring repair was identified in 22% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The Latarjet procedure is an effective treatment option for older patients (aged ≥ 40 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder instability in the setting of an anteroinferior capsulolabral and/or bony injury.