Bristow-Latarjet Surgery: A Current Overview in Brazil

Objective  To provide a current overview of the Bristow-Latarjet surgery in Brazil. Materials and Methods  This cross-sectional study was based on an electronic questionnaire with 26 items, which was sent to active members of the Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia do Ombro e Cotovelo, SBCOC, in Portuguese). The questionnaire addressed training, surgical technique, complications, and postoperative management. Results  We sent the questionnaire to 845 specialists from April 20 to May 12, 2021, and 310 of them answered i in full. During their specialization, most specialists participated in up to ten Bristow-Latarjet procedures. The most frequent complication was graft fracture, while the most common technical difficulty was screw positioning. In total, 50.6% and 73.9% reported having experienced intraoperative and postoperative complications respectively; 57.1% declared performing subscapularis suture; 99.7% indicated postoperative immobilization; and 61.9% considered graft consolidation fundamental. Conclusion  Most specialists participated in up to ten Bristow-Latarjet procedures during the specialization, but 13.5% of them graduated without participating in the surgery. The most frequent complication was graft fracture. The most common technical difficulty was screw positioning. Most participants prefer postoperative immobilization since they believe graft consolidation is essential to resume the practiced of sports. The highest complication rate occurred with specialists who have obtained their titles 11 to 15 years ago. In Brazil, the Southeast region is the largest producer of specialists and has the highest concentration of these professionals.