Arthroscopic Latarjet Learning Curve: Operating Time Decreases After 25 Cases

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Reconstruction

Background:

• The Latarjet procedure is increasingly performed arthroscopically for glenoid bone deficiency.
• This technique presents a significant learning curve for surgeons.
• Understanding proficiency milestones is essential for safe and effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define the learning curve for the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure.
• To establish a timeframe for achieving surgical proficiency.
• To analyze operative times as a measure of skill acquisition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 51 consecutive arthroscopic Latarjet procedures performed by a single surgeon.
• Exclusion of cases with insufficient data or combined procedures.
• Analysis of operative times to identify a proficiency threshold.

Main Results:

• Proficiency was achieved after 25 cases, with statistically significant reductions in operative time (P < .05).
• Average operative time decreased from 105.68 minutes (first 25 cases) to 82.41 minutes (after 25 cases).
• The study included 51 patients, predominantly male (86.3%), with an average age of 28.6 years.

Conclusions:

• The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure demonstrates a substantial initial learning curve.
• Surgical proficiency, indicated by reduced operative time, is typically reached around the 25-case mark.
• This finding is vital for surgeons adopting this technically demanding arthroscopic bony reconstruction.