Primary Open Latarjet Procedure Versus Revision to Open Latarjet Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability

Although the Latarjet operation may be performed as a revision surgery for anterior shoulder instability, the high recurrence rate of anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) has led some to advocate for performing the Latarjet procedure as a primary stabilization surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the intermediate-term outcomes after primary open Latarjet (PLJ) and revision to open Latarjet (RLJ).

This was a single-institution retrospective analysis of patients who underwent either PLJ or RLJ procedures for anterior shoulder instability between 2014 and 2023. Patients with less than 1 year of follow-up, seizure history, multidirectional instability, concurrent rotator cuff repair, or the absence of preoperative imaging were excluded. Glenoid bone loss (GBL), the width of Hill-Sachs lesions, recurrent dislocations, and reoperations were assessed.

The study included 29 patients, with 12 undergoing PLJ procedures and 17 undergoing RLJ procedures. The mean duration of follow-up was similar for the two groups (4.7 vs 4.6 years, P=.854). Patients undergoing PLJ procedures demonstrated a higher mean GBL (18.4%) compared with patients undergoing revision (10.5%; P=.035); however, there was no significant difference in Hill-Sachs lesion size (14.2 vs 10.4 mm, P=.374). After stratifying according to GBL, the groups undergoing PLJ and RLJ procedures had similar recurrent dislocation rates (8.3% and 11.8%, respectively; P=1.0) and reoperation frequency (25.0% and 23.5%, respectively; P=1.0).

The PLJ and RLJ groups had comparable rates of recurrent dislocations, complications, and reoperations, emphasizing the value of considering Latarjet procedures as revision surgery after unsuccessful primary arthroscopic stabilization. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(6):343-348.].