High Rates of Return to Play and Low Recurrence Rate After Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure for Anterior Shoulder Instability in Rugby Players

Abstract

PurposeTo analyze the rate of return to play, changes in athletic level, recurrence rate and to report subjective outcomes in a series of rugby players with anterior shoulder instability that underwent an arthroscopic Latarjet procedure. MethodA multicenter retrospective study done in 2 centers on rugby players who were operated on between January 2011 and December 2020 was performed. Rugby players who underwent arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder stabilization with a minimum follow-up period of two years were included. Rugby players were grouped according to their competitive level in their country (recreative, regional, national, and international level). Data collected included return to sport after surgery, time to return to rugby, athletic level before and after surgery, patient satisfaction, and subjective scores. Recurrence and apprehension rates were also evaluated. ResultsA total of 73 subjects were included. Mean age at time of surgery was 23 ± 5 years. Mean duration of follow-up was 5 years ±2.6. Eighty-four percent of rugby players returned to rugby within a mean period of 6.6 months. Initial athletic level was a significant factor (p=0.012) for not returning to sport, with 67% of patients not returning to rugby who initially played at a recreational level, and 33% at a regional league level. All national and international players returned to play. Of the 12 non returning rugby players, only 30% did not return because of their shoulder. Mean SSV was 90% ± 9. Recurrence rate was 7%. ConclusionOur study confirmed the efficacy of Arthroscopic Latarjet procedure in managing recurrent anterior instability in rugby players, leading to patient satisfaction. Return to play was achieved in almost all cases with low recurrence rate. Despite high global return to the same level of sports, the higher the level of competition is, the harder it is to resume sport at the same level for rugby players. Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.