Moderate to high levels of spin in studies comparing open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures for anterior shoulder instability: A systematic review from the LaTour Group.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, type and level of spin in studies comparing open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures for anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed was searched for comparative studies published in the last 20 years addressing open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures. Eligible articles were screened and assessed independently by two reviewers. Spin was classified into three categories-misleading reporting, misleading interpretation and inadequate extrapolation-and graded as low, moderate or high.

RESULTS

Of the 25 included studies, 80% exhibited at least one type of spin. The most common types were selective reporting (48%), lack of discussion of limitations (20%) and claims of significant differences without statistical testing (20%). Studies with high levels of spin had a spin ratio of 1.64, while those with moderate levels had a ratio of 2.00-both higher than the 1.00 ratio observed in studies with low-level spin. Studies with level of evidence IV showed a higher spin ratio per study. Additionally, spin was present regardless of conflict-of-interest declarations or funding disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Spin is prevalent in the literature comparing open and arthroscopic Latarjet procedures, with moderate to high levels of spin more common than low. These findings highlight the importance of transparent reporting and careful interpretation of comparative surgical literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Levels II-IV studies.