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

To characterize the 90-day complication rate following an open Latarjet procedure performed by a singular, experienced, fellowship-trained, academic sports medicine surgeon over 5 years.

Consecutive patients undergoing an open Latarjet procedure between 2019 and 2024, performed by the senior author were identified via the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code (23462). A retrospective chart review was utilized to identify and characterize the occurrence of 90-day complications as minor or major using the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications.

Forty-nine patients underwent open Latarjet stabilization by the senior author between 2019 and 2024. Of these, 48 (98.0%) completed 12-week follow-up. The mean age was 25.2 years (range 16-43), with females comprising 12.5% of the cohort. Mean glenoid bone loss was 14% (range 5%-28%). Sixty-four percent of patients had undergone prior surgical intervention. The cumulative 90-day minor complication rate specific to Latarjet was 4% (2/48). Notable complications included wound dehiscence (n = 1/48; 2.0%) and musculocutaneous nerve neuropraxia (n = 1/48; 2.0%). Additionally, there were two generic complications associated with shoulder surgery including transient nerve symptoms (ulnar and median) related to sling use or swelling (n = 2/48; 4%). Of these, all resolved with no permanent sequalae. All complications were minor or grade I with no major complications.

When performed by an experienced shoulder surgeon, the open Latarjet procedure shows good safety with low risk of major complications in treating anterior shoulder instability in a primary and revision surgical setting. Ninety-day procedure-specific minor complication rates observed within this provider setting may be lower (4% minor, 0% major) and less significant than traditionally reported rates of short-term complications associated with this procedure.

Level IV, case series.