Bristow versus Latarjet in high-demand athletes with anterior shoulder instability: a prospective randomized comparison

Improvement of coracoid process union rates: a comparative study of conventional open and arthroscopic-assisted Bristow procedures for treating anterior shoulder instability in rugby players

BACKGROUND

The Bristow coracoid transfer procedure is a reliable technique for treating anterior shoulder instability in patients with large glenoid bone loss or those involved in collision sports. However, its success is marred by its inferior bone union rate of the coracoid process as compared to the Latarjet procedure. This study aimed to evaluate whether arthroscopic confirmation of the secured coracoid fixation during the Bristow procedure improves the bone union rate and clinical outcomes as compared to the open procedure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 104 rugby players (n = 111 shoulders) who underwent an open (n = 66 shoulders) or arthroscopy (AS)-assisted (n = 45 shoulders) Bristow procedure at our center from 2007 to April 2019. In the AS-assisted group, the screw fixation and coracoid stability and contact were confirmed under arthroscopic visualization. Graft union was evaluated through computed tomography at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures were assessed based on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Rowe score, and satisfaction rate. Recurrence, the rate of return to play (RTP), and the frequency of pain after RTP were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 73.5 (range: 45-160) months for the open group and 32.3 (range: 24-56) months for the AS-assisted group. In the former, the rates of bone union were 50%, 72.7%, and 88.9% at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. In contrast, the AS-assisted group had significantly greater bone union rates-88.9%, 93.3%, and 95.6% at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. Both groups showed significant improvement in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Rowe scores compared to preoperative values as well as high satisfaction rates (open: 92%; AS-assisted: 95.7%). There were no statistically significant differences in the recurrence and RTP rates as well as the frequency of pain after RTP between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The AS-assisted procedure allows early and high bone healing without compromising the clinical outcomes.

Postoperative Radiographic Outcomes Following Primary Open Coracoid Transfer (Bristow-Latarjet) Vary in Definition, Classification, and Imaging Modality: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To analyze radiographic outcomes by conventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), or both and complication rates of open coracoid transfer at a minimum of 12-months follow-up.

METHODS

A literature search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, using PubMed, Medline (Ovid), and EMBASE library databases. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies reporting on open Latarjet as the primary surgical procedure(revision coracoid transfer after failed prior stabilization excluded) with postoperative radiographic outcomes at a minimum mean 1-year follow-up. Patient demographics, type of postoperative imaging modality, and radiographic outcomes and complications including graft union, osteoarthritis, and osteolysis were systematically reviewed. Data were summarized as ranges of reported values for each outcome metric. Each radiographic outcome was graphically represented in a Forest plot with point estimates of the incidence of radiographic outcomes with corresponding 95% confidence intervals and I2.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria, with a total of 1,456 shoulders. The most common postoperative imaging modality was plain radiography only (n = 848 [58.2%]), both CT and radiography (n = 287 [19.7%]), and CT only (n = 321 [22.1%]). Overall, the reported graft union rate ranged from 75% to 100%, of which 79.8% (n = 395) were detected on plain radiography. The most common reported postoperative radiographic complications after the open coracoid transfer were osteoarthritis (range, 0%-100%, pooled mean 28%), graft osteolysis (range, 0%-100%, pooled mean 30%), nonunion (range, 0%-32%, pooled mean 5.1%), malpositioned graft (range, 0%-75%, pooled mean 14.75%), hardware issues (range, 0%-9.1%, pooled mean 5%), and bone block fracture (range, 0%-8%, pooled mean 2.1%). Graft healing was achieved in a majority of cases (range, 75%-100%).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiographic outcomes after open coracoid transfer vary greatly in definition, classification, and imaging modality of choice. Greater consistency in postoperative radiographic outcomes is essential to evaluate graft healing, osteolysis, and nonunion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Evaluation of Screws Positioning in Latarjet Surgery: Is There a Correlation between Parallelism to Glenoid and Radiographic Complications?

Objective  To evaluate whether the parallelism of screws with glenoid in Latarjet surgery interferes in the positioning of the graft and to verify the reproducibility of a method of measuring screws positioning. Methods  Retrospective, multicenter study, of patients with anterior shoulder instability submitted to modified Latarjet surgery and at least one year of postoperative follow-up. Two radiologists analyzed the postoperative tomographic images, acquired in a database, to evaluate the positioning of screws and radiographic complications. Results  We evaluated 34 patients, aged between 21 and 60 years, one of them with bilateral shoulder involvement, totaling 35 shoulders evaluated. The tomographic evaluation of the inclination angles of the screws showed no difference between the observers. There was intra- and interobserver agreement to evaluate the following surgical parameters: graft position, presence or not of radiographic complications. Conclusion  The technique described for measuring the parallelism of screws in Latarjet surgery presented a very good and excellent intra-observer agreement, respectively. Screw parallelism with glenoid is recommended; however, it is not a mandatory and unique condition to avoid radiographic complications.

The Arthroscopic Bristow Procedure Is Superior to the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure in Return to Sports but Inferior in Graft Healing: A Comparative Study With 3.4-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and computed tomography outcomes between the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and the arthroscopic Bristow procedure.

METHODS

Patients who underwent arthroscopic Latarjet or Bristow procedures with at least 2 years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-eight shoulders were included in the Latarjet group, and 34 were included in the Bristow group. Recurrence of dislocation, clinical scores, rate of return to sports (RTS), and computed tomography assessment findings (position of transferred coracoid, graft healing, graft absorption, and glenohumeral degenerative osteoarthritis [OA]) were obtained at final follow-up.

RESULTS

No recurrent dislocation occurred in either group, and no significant differences in clinical scores were found between the 2 procedures, with a mean follow-up period of 3.4 years. The operative time in the Bristow group was significantly shorter than that in the Latarjet group (P < .001). The transferred coracoid had healed in 94.7% of the patients in the Latarjet group and 85.3% in the Bristow group at final follow-up (P = .01). No significant difference in graft absorption or the degree of glenohumeral OA was detected between the 2 groups. However, moderate to severe OA only occurred in the Latarjet group at final follow-up (4 of 38 shoulders, 10.5%). The postoperative external rotation angle and level of RTS favored the Latarjet procedure (P = .030 and P = .034, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the arthroscopic Latarjet and arthroscopic Bristow procedures led to good clinical scores with no new dislocation episodes. The Bristow group showed significantly less graft healing than the Latarjet group. However, the arthroscopic Bristow procedure took less operative time and showed a lower rate of early moderate to severe glenohumeral OA, better range of motion, and a higher rate of RTS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic trial.

Global variations in treatment and outcomes reported for anterior shoulder instability: a systematic review of the literature

Background

Anterior shoulder instability is a common problem around the world, with a high risk for recurrence following the index dislocation. Surgical stabilization is commonly indicated for persistent instability, particularly in patients at high risk for recurrence, to minimize the risk of further labral injury and glenoid bone loss. However, there is little known about global geographic differences in the surgical management of anterior shoulder instability. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate and systematically review regional differences in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability, particularly the indications for and outcomes from bony stabilization procedures compared to soft tissue procedures.

Methods

A systematic review, in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of level I and II evidence studies evaluating indications, techniques, and outcomes following operative management of anterior shoulder instability published from January 2000 to September 2021. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were grouped into four global regions (Asia, Europe, North America, South America) based on primary study location. Patient demographics, procedural details, patient reported outcomes, and complications (recurrence and reoperation rates) were compared between regions.

Results

Sixty (n = 60) studies (5480 patients) were identified. Eighty-six percent of all patients were male, with a mean age of 26.7 years. There was no difference in mean patient age, though patients undergoing bony stabilization procedures were older than those undergoing soft-tissue stabilization procedures (P = .0002) in all regions. The proportion of bony versus soft-tissue procedure groups did not differ significantly among regions. The indications for bony stabilization procedures varied significantly. Mean final follow-up was 3.5 years. Recurrent instability was 5.0% and did not vary across regions. However, recurrent instability occurred more frequently following soft-tissue compared to bony stabilization procedures (P = .017). South American studies utilized fewer anchors during soft tissue stabilization (P < .0001) and reported a higher reoperation rate compared to other regions (P = .009).

Conclusion

There is global variation in the reporting of outcomes following surgery for anterior shoulder instability. The proportion of bony and soft-tissue procedures is similar, irrespective of geographic region. Recurrent instability does not vary by region but occurs more frequently following soft-tissue compared to bony stabilization procedures. There are a number of potential medical and nonmedical factors that may affect global variation in the surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability.

Bristow-Latarjet Surgery: A Current Overview in Brazil

Objective  To provide a current overview of the Bristow-Latarjet surgery in Brazil. Materials and Methods  This cross-sectional study was based on an electronic questionnaire with 26 items, which was sent to active members of the Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia do Ombro e Cotovelo, SBCOC, in Portuguese). The questionnaire addressed training, surgical technique, complications, and postoperative management. Results  We sent the questionnaire to 845 specialists from April 20 to May 12, 2021, and 310 of them answered i in full. During their specialization, most specialists participated in up to ten Bristow-Latarjet procedures. The most frequent complication was graft fracture, while the most common technical difficulty was screw positioning. In total, 50.6% and 73.9% reported having experienced intraoperative and postoperative complications respectively; 57.1% declared performing subscapularis suture; 99.7% indicated postoperative immobilization; and 61.9% considered graft consolidation fundamental. Conclusion  Most specialists participated in up to ten Bristow-Latarjet procedures during the specialization, but 13.5% of them graduated without participating in the surgery. The most frequent complication was graft fracture. The most common technical difficulty was screw positioning. Most participants prefer postoperative immobilization since they believe graft consolidation is essential to resume the practiced of sports. The highest complication rate occurred with specialists who have obtained their titles 11 to 15 years ago. In Brazil, the Southeast region is the largest producer of specialists and has the highest concentration of these professionals.

Previously failed Bankart repair and the duration from first dislocation to surgery were the risk factors associated with the level of return to sports after coracoid transfer

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine the rate of different levels of return to sports (RTS) in athletes undergoing the modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure and the factors associated with the level of RTS.

METHODS

The study was performed retrospectively on patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability who underwent the modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The RTS rate, the level of return and the timing of return were assessed. Additionally, factors such as preoperative basic information, clinical outcomes, graft position, graft healing and graft absorption were analysed to investigate their correlation with the level of RTS. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the factors affecting the level of RTS.

RESULTS

In total, this study included 182 shoulders of 177 athletes undergoing the modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure. Of these patients, 142 (78.0%) shoulders of 137 athletes were enrolled, with a mean of 3.3-year follow-up. At the final follow-up, 134 (94.4%) shoulders were able to RTS, 123 (86.6%) shoulders were able to RTS to the pre-injury level, 52 (36.6%) shoulders could be completely "forgotten" without any psychological barrier during exercise. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the variable associated with RTS at the pre-injury level as previously failed arthroscopic Bankart repair (p < 0.001). As for the "forgetting" operated shoulder, the duration from first dislocation to surgery was a significant independent predictor (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Although a large majority of athletes were able to RTS at the pre-injury level after the modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure, about two-thirds of the athletes felt difference in shoulders on both sides and could not completely "forget" the operated shoulder during exercise. Previously failed Bankart repair and the duration from first dislocation to surgery were the risk factors associated with the level of RTS after the modified arthroscopic Bristow procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Latarjet procedure without capsular repair produces favorable clinical results and avoids limitation in external rotation

PURPOSE

This study aimed at analyzing the range of motion (ROM) and other clinical outcomes in patients with > 20% glenoid bone loss who underwent the Latarjet procedure with or without anterior capsule repair.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 47 patients with > 20% glenoid bone loss who underwent the classic Latarjet procedure from 2016 to 2021. Of these, 25 did not undergo capsular repair (no-capsular-repair group; group I) whereas 22 patients did (capsular-repair group; group II). The Rowe score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Visual Analogue Scale, ROM, recurrence, and complications were evaluated before and 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery. A goniometer was used to measure the forward flexion and external rotation (arm adducted, 90° abducted) of both shoulders. The ROM deficit was measured as the difference from the contralateral healthy shoulder.

RESULTS

The external rotation in arm adduction at 3 and 6 months after surgery showed significantly better results in group I than group II(p = 0.002 at 3 months; p = 0.005 at 6 months). The deficit in external rotation with arm adduction was also significantly lower in group I at 3 months (p = 0.001) and 6 months (p = 0.001) after surgery. However, external rotation with arm adduction at 12 months after surgery did not significantly differ between the groups. Moreover, the ROM in external rotation with 90° arm abduction was significantly better in group I than that in group II at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, and p = 0.005, respectively). The deficit in external rotation with 90° arm abduction gradually decreased with time after surgery and differed significantly between the groups. However, the difference in deficit between the two groups at 12 months after surgery did not exceed the measurement error. All clinical scores significantly improved after surgery compared to before surgery; however, the improvement did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The Latarjet procedure without capsular repair showed good laxity restoration and clinical results with less early postoperative external rotation limitation than that achieved by the same procedure with capsular repair. However, external rotation deficit at 1 year after surgery did not show a clinically relevant difference difference between the two groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Quality of life following an open Latarjet-Bristow procedure in a general population with recurrent anterior shoulder instability

Background

Despite the extensive literature on anterior glenohumeral instability, to date, there are no studies that report on the quality of life following a Latarjet-Bristow procedure with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients who had a Latarjet-Bristow procedure.

Methods

A single-center retrospective review with a prospective recall of patients who underwent a Latarjet-Bristow technique for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability between January 2017 and March 2020. Outcomes measures included health-related quality of life using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and patient-related outcome measures using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index and Rowe scores.

Results

A total of 66 patients were identified to participate in the study; 40 (60.6%) responded and were included in the analysis. There were nine females and 31 males, with a median age of 32 years (27.5‒41 years). Three cases had bilateral anterior shoulder instability with a single joint being operated and three patients were epileptic. Physical and mental components summary of the SF-36 showed a better health-related quality of life in the general population. There was a significant strong correlation between SF-36 and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index. However, SF-36 and Rowe score showed a fair correlation.

Conclusion

The Latarjet-Bristow procedure improves the quality of life in a general population similarly to an athletic population. The number of episodes of dislocation before surgery and the delayed surgical intervention did not increase the recurrent anterior shoulder instability rates postoperatively.

TREATMENT OF RECURRENT ANTERIOR SHOULDER DISLOCATION USING THE LATARJET TECHNIQUE

Objective

To describe the functional results, recurrence rate, postoperative radiographic appearance, and complications of patients undergoing the Latarjet procedure over 24 months.

Methods

Retrospective case series, including adult patients with recurrent traumatic anterior glenohumeral dislocation undergoing the Latarjet procedure. We clinically evaluated patients preoperatively by the Rowe score and at six, 12, and 24 months after the procedure. The positioning, consolidation, and resorption of the graft were analyzed by plain radiography. The recurrence rates and other complications were also described.

Results

We analyzed 40 patients (41 shoulders). The Rowe score median increased from 25 before surgery to 95 at 24 months after surgery (p < 0.001). We observed graft resorption in three cases (7.3%) and consolidation in 39 (95.1%). Most grafts presented adequate placement. We observed two recurrences (4.8%), one case of dislocation and one of subluxation. Seven patients (17.1%) had a positive apprehension test. The study had no cases of infection, neuropraxia, or graft breakage.

Conclusion

Latarjet surgery is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder. This surgery enables a statistically significant improvement according to the Rowe score, with a low number of recurrences. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Glenoid bone augmentation: a contemporary and comprehensive systematic review of open procedures

Introduction

There is a trend towards arthroscopically treating shoulder instability with glenoid deficiency. Despite this, there remains the option for treatment through an open technique. Multiple bone augmentation options are available for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

Objective

To provide a systematic review of recent studies for recurrent anterior shoulder instability necessitating glenoid bone augmentation specifically through open procedures using coracoid bone or free bone blocks [iliac crest bone autograft/allograft or distal tibia allograft (DTA)].

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for studies reporting open glenoid bone augmentation procedures with iliac crest, tibia, or coracoid bones within 10 years. Extracted data included study/patient characteristics, techniques, prior surgeries, prior dislocations, radiographic findings, range of motion (ROM), recurrent instability, patient-reported outcomes, and complications.

Results

92 met inclusion criteria (5693 total patients). Six were studies of iliac crest bone, four of DTA, and 84 using the coracoid bone. 29 studies measured postoperative arthritis showing no development or mild arthritis. 26 studies reported postoperative graft position. 62 studies reported ROM noting decline in internal/external rotation. 87 studies measured postoperative instability with low rates. Rowe Scores with noted improvement across 31/59 (52.5%) studies were seen. Common post operative complications included infection, hematoma, graft fracture, nerve injury, pain, and screw-related irritation.

Conclusion

Despite a trend towards arthroscopic management of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with glenoid deficiency, open procedures continue to provide satisfactory outcomes. Additionally, studies have demonstrated safe and efficacious use of free bone block graft options in the primary and revision setting.

Capsular repair is not an important part of the Latarjet-Walch procedure

BACKGROUND

Patte et al noted that the Latarjet procedure works by the triple blocking effect of (1) the conjoint tendon sling effect, (2) the bone block effect, and (3) the capsular repair. However, no clinical study has specifically investigated the role of capsular repair in the Latarjet procedure.

AIMS

The primary aim was to compare (1) the external rotation range of motion (ROM) achieved after the Latarjet procedure with and without the capsule to coracoacromial (CA-CAL) repair. The secondary aims were to compare the functional outcomes, forward elevation ROM, and internal rotation ROM after the Latarjet procedure with and without the CA-CAL repair.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 30 patients who underwent the Latarjet-Walch procedure with a CA-CAL repair between October 2018 and February 2020 was compared with the preceding group of 31 patients who underwent the Latarjet-Walch procedure without any capsular repair between October 2016 and September 2018, at a minimum of 1-year of follow-up.

RESULTS

External rotation with the elbow abducted at 90° (ER2) deficit (compared to the normal opposite side) was significantly larger after the CA-CAL repair augmentation of the Latarjet procedure (mean difference = 6°, P = .03) than that after no repair. External rotation with the elbow adducted (ER1) deficit after the CA-CAL repair augmentation was not significantly different from that after no repair. ER2 deficit of more than 15° (minimum clinically important difference) was observed in 11 patients (38%) in the CA-CAL repair group and 3 patients (10%, P = .015) in the no repair group. Walch-Duplay score, Rowe score, and Subjective Shoulder Value were not significantly different between the CA-CAL repair group and the no repair group. Covariates of hand dominance, overhead sports, and glenoid defect size did not significantly affect the ER2 deficit and ER1 deficit outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study disproved the long-held belief that capsular repair is an essential step of the Latarjet-Walch procedure. Capsular repair to the coracoacromial ligament in the Latarjet procedure leads to a clinically insignificant restriction of external rotation (with the arm abducted), no restriction of external rotation (with the arm adducted), but functional outcomes similar to those after Latarjet without a capsular repair in a nonoverhead athlete.

Evaluation of Latarjet procedure in female athletes: a three-year follow-up prospective cohort study

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion