A New Guide for the Arthroscopically Assisted Latarjet Procedure

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Arthroscopy

Background:

• The Latarjet procedure is a standard treatment for recurrent shoulder instability.
• Neurological complications occur in up to 10% of Latarjet procedures.
• Inferior-medial relocation of neurovascular structures is key during the procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if an intraoperative assisting guide reduces nerve injury risk during the Latarjet procedure.
• To assess the efficacy of the SaSumata (SS) guide in arthroscopic Latarjet surgery.

Main Methods:

• Seventeen patients with shoulder instability and glenoid bone loss underwent an all-arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using the SS guide.
• The SS guide facilitates inferior-medial graft relocation, protecting neurovascular structures.
• Patients were assessed clinically and via CT scans post-operatively.

Main Results:

• No neurological injuries or conversions to open surgery were reported in 17 patients.
• Excellent functional outcomes with a mean Subjective Shoulder Value of 87.5% and Rowe score of 88.
• Optimal bone block positioning was achieved in 16 out of 17 patients, with one bone block fracture.

Conclusions:

• The SaSumata (SS) guide is effective for arthroscopic Latarjet procedures.
• This technique demonstrates good functional results and a reduced risk of neurological complications.
• The SS guide aids in achieving optimal graft placement for shoulder instability treatment.