Open Latarjet Yields a Low 90-Day Complication Rate in Primary and Revision Shoulder Stabilization.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Shoulder Instability Treatment

Background:

• Anterior shoulder instability often requires surgical intervention.
• The Latarjet procedure is a common surgical solution for recurrent anterior shoulder instability.
• Assessing complication rates is crucial for evaluating surgical safety and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 90-day complication rate of the open Latarjet procedure.
• To assess the safety profile of this procedure when performed by a single, experienced surgeon.
• To compare complication rates with existing literature.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing open Latarjet (CPT 23462) between 2019-2024.
• Complications were classified as minor or major using the Clavien-Dindo system.
• Data collected included patient demographics, bone loss, prior surgeries, and 90-day outcomes.

Main Results:

• 49 patients underwent the procedure; 48 completed 12-week follow-up.
• Mean age was 25.2 years; 12.5% were female; mean glenoid bone loss was 14%.
• A 4% (2/48) minor complication rate was observed (wound dehiscence, neuropraxia), with no major complications. Transient nerve symptoms occurred in 4% but resolved fully.

Conclusions:

• The open Latarjet procedure is safe with a low risk of major complications for anterior shoulder instability.
• Experienced surgeons may achieve lower minor complication rates (4%) than previously reported.
• This study supports the safety of the Latarjet procedure in primary and revision settings.