Scapular position after the open Latarjet procedure: results of a computed tomography scan study

The aim of this study was to investigate, through a computed tomography (CT) scan analysis, the effects of the Latarjet procedure on scapular position in an axial plane.

Twenty healthy young male subjects (mean age, 22 years; range, 18-27 years) were enrolled as a control group. Twenty young male patients (mean age, 23 years; range, 17-30 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were enrolled as the study group. CT cuts at a proper level allowed the identification of an α angle, which defined the tilt of the scapula relative to the anterior-posterior axis.

In the control population, the α angles on the right and left shoulders were 48° (44°-52°) and 48° (44°-54°), respectively. In the study group, the preoperative α angles at the affected and healthy shoulders were 49° (46°-52°) and 49° (44°-52°), respectively. At day 45, the corresponding angles were 45° (40°-50°) and 49° (46°-52°). At 6 months, the average α angle of the shoulder operated on was 52° (46°-58°). The α angle value was restored in 5 cases, increased in 9 cases (mean, 8°), and decreased in 6 cases (mean, 3°).

A general symmetry of scapular position was observed during CT scan analysis. This balance was lost initially after the Latarjet procedure, with a decrease of the α angle and scapular protraction. Six months after surgery, a small trend toward scapular retraction was conversely observed; however, the data were not statistically significant.