Functional outcomes after open versus arthroscopic Latarjet procedure: A prospective comparative study.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Shoulder instability

Background:

• The Latarjet procedure effectively stabilizes chronically unstable shoulders, particularly in young athletes.
• Functional recovery time after Latarjet surgery is not well-documented.
• Arthroscopic techniques may enhance functional recovery post-Latarjet procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional recovery after arthroscopic versus open Latarjet procedures.
• To evaluate postoperative pain and shoulder function (WOSI score) in both groups.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, multicenter study included 184 patients (85 open, 99 arthroscopic).
• Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 7, 30 days, and 1, 3, 6, 12 months using the WOSI score.
• Early postoperative pain was specifically monitored.

Main Results:

• Preoperative functional scores were similar between groups.
• The arthroscopic group reported significantly less pain on postoperative days 3 and 7.
• Shoulder function (WOSI) improved in both groups, plateauing at 1 year. The arthroscopic group showed better WOSI at 3 months, while the open group had better WOSI at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopic Latarjet surgery results in less immediate postoperative pain than the open technique.
• Both arthroscopic and open Latarjet procedures enhance shoulder function, with full recovery observed by 1 year.