The arthroscopic double-button Latarjet does not modify the static posterior translation of the humeral head

The Latarjet procedure treats anterior instability of the shoulder and is based on a triple anterior lock, where the conjoint tendon straps the lower third of the subscapularis muscle. Excessive posterior translation of the humeral head is a known risk factor for shoulder osteoarthritis. No in vivo study has investigated the effect of the bone block on the posterior static translation of the humeral epiphysis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the bone block on the static posterior translation of the humeral head. The hypothesis was that this procedure increased this translation.

This retrospective study included patients treated arthroscopically for anterior shoulder instability by a double-button Latarjet. An independent examiner analyzed the CT scans preoperatively, at 15 days, and at least 6 months postoperatively according to a standardized protocol. The analysis focused on the position of the bone block in the axial and coronal planes relative to the glenoid. The posterior translation was automatically calculated using the Blueprint© planning software.

Thirty-five patients were included with a mean age of 25 years (16-43), according to a 4M/1F sex ratio. The graft was perfectly flush to the subchondral bone in 63% (n=22) of cases and subequatorial in 91% (n=32). Preoperative posterior humeral translation was 52%. The mean immediate postoperative posterior humeral translation was 56%, and 57% at more than 6 months. The change in mean posterior humeral translation between preoperative/6 months was +0.94% [-20%; +12%] (p=0.29) and immediate postoperative/6 months +0.34% [-18%; +15%] (p=0.84). Gender, hypermobility and the axial position of the bone block did not influence the change in posterior humeral translation. The equatorial position of the bone block appeared to increase posterior humeral translation by +10%±5.2% [-0.427; 20.823] (p=0.07).

This work refutes our initial hypothesis. The change in static posterior humeral translation after arthroscopic Latarjet bone block remains stable at more than 6 months of follow-up. This procedure does not alter the anatomical position of the humeral head in relation to the glenoid. On the other hand, a more cranial positioning of the bone block could have an influence.

IV.