Arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet: an easy and reproducible technique for improving the accuracy of graft and screw placement

The effectiveness of the Latarjet largely depends on accurate graft placement, as well as on proper position and direction of the screws. We present our technique for an arthroscopically-assisted Latarjet comparing radiological results with the open technique.

We retrospectively reviewed the postoperative computed tomography scans of 38 patients who underwent a Latarjet procedure. For 16 patients, the procedure was performed with the open technique and, for 22 patients, it was performed using an arthroscopically-assisted technique. An independent radiologist evaluated graft and hardware position, as well as graft integration or resorption. Postoperative complications were also documented.

The graft was correctly placed in only 18.8% of cases in the open group and 72.7% of cases in the arthroscopically-assisted group. There were no postoperative complications in the arthroscopically-assisted group, whereas one patient had a recurrence and two required hardware removal in the open group.

The Latarjet procedure is a challenging procedure for which a key point is the correct placement of the coracoid graft onto the glenoid neck and correct position of the screws. The present study substantiates a clear benefit for the use of a guide with an arthroscopically-assisted technique in terms of graft and hardware placement. At short-term follow-up, there appears to be a benefit for graft integration and avoidance of resorption.