Retrospective long-term review of 58 shoulders treated with the Latarjet coracoid transfer for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Followed for a mean of 14.3 years, it asks how durable the stabilization is and what factors lead to glenohumeral osteoarthrosis.
When you counsel a patient on Latarjet, this is the long-term data behind the consent: at 14 years, expect essentially zero recurrent dislocation and roughly 88% good-to-excellent function.
The key surgical teaching point is graft position. A coracoid graft that overhangs the articular surface acts as a focal high-spot that grinds the humeral head and drives symptomatic arthrosis. Aim for the graft flush with, or up to 5 mm medial to, the glenoid rim, and account for the 30-degree anterior obliquity of the scapula.
Two preoperative red flags predict worse arthrosis: a rotator cuff tear (both severe eccentric arthrosis cases) and recurrent frank dislocation rather than subluxation. Examine for a cuff tear before booking the case.
Finally, set expectations on motion. The conjoint-tendon sling costs external rotation, and the magnitude tracks with how you repair the subscapularis. This is the trade-off to discuss with overhead athletes.
Retrospective long-term review of 58 shoulders treated with the Latarjet coracoid transfer for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. Followed for a mean of 14.3 years, it asks how durable the stabilization is and what factors lead to glenohumeral osteoarthrosis.
When you counsel a patient on Latarjet, this is the long-term data behind the consent: at 14 years, expect essentially zero recurrent dislocation and roughly 88% good-to-excellent function.
The key surgical teaching point is graft position. A coracoid graft that overhangs the articular surface acts as a focal high-spot that grinds the humeral head and drives symptomatic arthrosis. Aim for the graft flush with, or up to 5 mm medial to, the glenoid rim, and account for the 30-degree anterior obliquity of the scapula.
Two preoperative red flags predict worse arthrosis: a rotator cuff tear (both severe eccentric arthrosis cases) and recurrent frank dislocation rather than subluxation. Examine for a cuff tear before booking the case.
Finally, set expectations on motion. The conjoint-tendon sling costs external rotation, and the magnitude tracks with how you repair the subscapularis. This is the trade-off to discuss with overhead athletes.